Obituary: JayD Schlueter
From the Arizona Republic
May 15, 2010

(c) Houston Astros

Our loss was heaven's gain as JayD Schlueter passed on May 13, 2010 (his dogs and Uncle Bill impatiently awaited him at heaven's gate).

JayD was survived by the love of his life Gail, his three children and best friends Christopher (Therese), Kelly (Jeff) and Bryan (Kat), his brothers Doug (Lynda), Randy (Janie), sister Kandy, his four grandchildren and an infinite amount of friends who loved him. He was one of a kind and will be missed and cherished by all.

JayD passed quietly from complications from the disease Ataxia. During his last days, he was surrounded by those who meant most to him - his family and close friends.

In the last few years, Ataxia took his physical gifts, but could not touch his heart of gold or his unrelenting soul. A true role model and loyal friend to anyone who came in contact with him, JayD was a superb physical athlete, from his days at Central High and ASU to playing professional baseball from 1966-1975 (St. Louis Cardinals and Houston Astros).

The love and passion for sports never left JayD as he was an avid and dedicated coach and supporter of all youth and High School Sports (North Scottsdale Little League and Chaparral), he was an unwavering fan to both ASU and the D-backs, and was a dedicated member of The Major League Baseball Alumni Association and the Sigma Chi Fraternity.

JayD was a commercial real estate broker, but he certainly was not defined by his career. It was simply a means to enjoy his true passions-his friends, business colleagues, friends and most important, his family. He was an extremely proud member and activist of the Phoenix Thunderbirds (he glowed with pride when he had his blue velvet jacket on). The Thunderbirds were truly a second family to him. He reveled in others' successes and wanted to help anyone and everyone, never wanting anything in return.

JayD was an extremely proud father, husband, grandfather, and friend. His love for all had no boundaries. He fought his disease with the same passion and zeal he lived his life with. In the end, it was time for JayD to dance again. He will be missed more than he will ever know, but certainly will never ever be forgotten.

Services will be held 1:00 PM on Friday, May 21st at St. Patricks Catholic Community Church - 10815 N. 84th Street. In lieu of flowers, please make any and all donations to The Baseball Assistance Team, 245 Park Ave. 31st Floor, New York, NY 10167.