Jay "Jr." Alan Gorham

Jay Alan Gorham, Jr., 58, of Windsor, CO passed away on Friday, August 2, 2019. Jay was born on September 19, 1960 in Troy, NY to parents Patricia Gorham and Jay Gorham Sr. He was the oldest of four sons. Jay attended high school at La Salle Institute in Troy, NY, where he graduated in 1978 and college at Renselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he obtained a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. After graduation, he pursued his passion for flying as a fighter pilot instructor in the US Air Force and was stationed at Laughlin AFB in Del Rio, TX, eventually obtaining the rank of Captain. After leaving the Service, he moved back to New York state, where he worked as a mathematics instructor at Hudson Valley Community College and met Celina Tolge, his future spouse and lifelong companion. The two were married November 14, 1993 and soon after moved west to Colorado. Jay’s wish for children was fulfilled on April 30, 1996 with the birth of his first daughter, Julia Anne Gorham, and again on July 9, 2000, the birthday of Jenna Marie Gorham. Jay was a man of many passions. He loved animals and owned his own horse, Bo Jangles, for several years. He had a passion for well-brewed beer and Domino’s pizza as well as a soft spot for Wild Cherry Pepsi. He also enjoyed watching Food Network reruns and cultivating his own culinary abilities in the kitchen while watching Seinfeld and the Simpsons. Jay was actively involved in the Northern Colorado community as a USA swimming official for more than ten years and was nationally certified. He was most recently affiliated with Northern Colorado Swim Club and had prior affiliation with Loveland Swim Club. He also officiated at collegiate meets through NCAA and recently became involved with Northern Colorado middle school swimming. He was well known and adored by coaches, officials, and athletes across the state and country and will be missed on desk. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Celina Gorham; his daughters Julia and Jenna Gorham; his parents Patricia Gorham and Jay Gorham Sr, of Gilbert, AZ; his brothers Gary Gorham of Los Angeles, CA and Matt Gorham of Chandler, AZ; his best friends Todd Whitmore and Holly King, both of Greeley, CO, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents and his brother Timothy Gorham. Memorial Mass will be held Friday, August 9, 2019 at 3:00 pm at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Windsor, CO and a celebration of life open house party will take place on Saturday, August 10, 2019 from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Jay’s home in Windsor. Donations may be made to Northern Colorado Swim Club.