The son of Joseph Virgil Moore and Joan Simpson Moore, he grew up in Houston, Texas.

Jay was manager of American Airlines in Key West for several years. It was here that he had the inspiration for his life’s calling. He earned his 500 ton captain’s license and had a successful career as a master boat captain.

For years he drove a dive boat where he was useful also as a certified dive master. Jay enjoyed doing private charters on his Parker 28, taking folks out for scuba dives and other adventures. His sister, Lyse, enjoyed being his first mate on some of these adventures. They both proudly recall an adventure with Jacques Cousteau Marine International Lab. In later times, Jay excelled as captain on a shuttle boat that went from Key West to Little Palm Island and Sunset Key.

Jay came back to Texas every year to visit family and to attend the Spring Fling. He looked forward to cooking meat on the grill and visiting with friends. In 2017, Jay retired and moved to Elgin, Texas, to be with family and friends. Shortly after, his health began to fail.

He is survived by his sister, Lyse Moore, and many good friends.