Jay Irvin Green passed away Tuesday evening, April 19, 2016, at the age of 72, in Houston, Texas. He was surrounded by his most cherished and beloved family along with the wonderful staff of Houston Methodist Hospital. 

During the last two years, Jay suffered from lung related health issues and was receiving symptomatic treatment from his physician. In early 2016,  he began specialized care with a renowned pulmonary team at Houston Methodist Hospital, while awaiting a treatable diagnosis. Shortly thereafter, Jay was hospitalized after experiencing acute symptoms. After a three week battle within the Medical Intensive Care Unit at Houston Methodist Hospital, his condition quickly deteriorated. A biopsy suddenly diagnosed Jay with lung cancer, having originated in his pancreas. Fortunately, Jay never knew about his fatal diagnosis. In fact, during his last year of life, Jay had the good fortune to travel and celebrate life, experiencing China, Mexico, and New York, while also enjoying his family and friends at home. 

As he did in life, Jay brought humor and dignity to a desperate illness. The last memory of Jay is an optimistic and high-spirited man, humming on the way to his last procedure.  Jay will be remembered most vividly for his limitless optimism and endearing humor.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jay’s honor.

Jay's family has requested that those who wish to honor him consider a donation in his name to the American Cancer Society (ACS) or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PANCAN). They hope that the generosity of his loved ones will provide support to all those affected by this terrible disease and to enhance the efforts of discovering a cure.

American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.

Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is a nationwide network of people dedicated to working together to advance research, support patients and create hope for those affected by pancreatic cancer. The organization declared a bold and aggressive goal: After seeing too little progress in pancreatic cancer survival in over half a century, the PANCAN put a stake in the ground to double pancreatic cancer survival by 2020.

Jay and his wife, Birgit, have always had a place in their heart for abandoned and mistreated animals. Throughout their eighteen years together, they rescued, fostered and adopted an abundance of loving animals. Those that found their 'forever home' with Jay and Birgit provided an endless amount of unconditional love and joy to their family and friends. Organizations like the Rescue Pets Movement, played an important role in the life they built together, sharing the same passion and appreciation for animals in need.

Rescue Pets Movement

Rescued Pets Movement, Inc. is an organization located in Houston, Texas that provides a second chance for thousands of homeless dogs and cats through rehabilitation and transport to forever homes in communities throughout the country that have a need for adoptable pets.

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