John “Jay” Peter Tyer died peacefully at his home in Jefferson, Massachusetts on January 1, 2023, after a long illness. He is survived by his wife Erica, his children Chance and Erin; sisters Dianne Hendrickson, wife of Bradford Hendrickson, and Jean Fitzgerald, wife of Henry Fitzgerald. He also leaves several nieces and nephews and extended family. He is predeceased by his daughter, Marguerite, and his parents Anne (Joubert) Tyer and John S Tyer.

Jay was a WPI graduate in Electrical Engineering and worked for many years in the software industry, but he would have been the first to say his true passion was jazz music. He was a beloved figure in the Worcester Jazz scene and spent his career supporting young musicians. He loved to teach and spent many years growing the community that had given him so much. The Worcester “Jazz Jam” at the Java Hut will live on in the memories of everyone whose lives he touched.

In 2001 Jay was diagnosed with a condition known as Sporadic Ataxia. Jay battled this disease for over two decades with courage and determination. Memorial donations may be sent to National Ataxia Foundation, at PO Box 27986, Golden Valley, MN 55427, or online at https://www.ataxia.org/donate/

A memorial service for Jay will be held at Salem Covenant Church, 215 Mountain St East, Worcester, MA. on Saturday, February 11th at 11:00 am. Funeral arrangements are under the care of the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St, Holden, MA 01520.