Jay Arden Kettlehut

Jay Arden Kettlehut, 84, of Ann Arbor, formerly of Berrien Springs, passed away peacefully at home, on his own terms, on Saturday, March 9, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.

A funeral service will be held at 11AM on Friday, March 15, 2024 at Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman, MI 49106. Friends may meet with the family from 10 – 11 AM on Friday at the funeral home, prior to the service. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Bridgman. Online condolences accepted at www.PikeFH.com. 

Jay had a long hard-fought battle against an illness that was diagnosed in 2005. Jay was the epitome of a good man. He had a strong moral character, he was kind, generous, and perpetually cheerful. 

He was an outstanding husband to wife Joan, father to his two daughters, Joy and Julie, and guardian to his niece, Charlene. He was a father figure to his sons-in law, Nord and George, and grandchildren, Spencer, and Claire. Jay was born on May 2,1939 in St. Joseph, Michigan. Jay started school at Mt. Tabor School, a one-room schoolhouse. He went on to high school at Berrien Springs High School where he played basketball, and baseball. He got a four-year scholarship to the University of Michigan where he studied physics. He got a job at Ann Arbor Pioneer High School in 1963 teaching physics. In 1965, he studied advanced physics at U of M. He was one of sixteen students in the U.S and Canada to receive a Fellowship to study at Cornell University. He taught at Pioneer for almost 30 years until his retirement in 1990. He had a second career writing a stock market advisory newsletter. 

Jay lived to enjoy a 50th Wedding Anniversary trip/party, as well as his 60th Anniversary. He spent his latter years in the loving company of his family, visiting with friends, and enjoying sports on TV. His devoted wife Joan was by his side every day as his nurse. Their story is a true testament of love. Jay was happy to live to see U of M win the National Football Championship Game.

Arrangements are entrusted to Pike Funeral and Cremation Services, 9191 Red Arrow Hwy, Bridgman.