In Memoriam: Longtime Rumsonite Jay Halikias, 54

Longtime Rumson resident, Jason “Jay” Halikias passed away on Oct. 19. He was 54.

Born and raised in Garden City, NY, Jay graduated from Loyola University of Maryland and spent his entire career on Wall Street. He was an Executive Director in Compliance at Oppenheimer & Co.

“Jay’s greatest joy in life was his family. He shared 24 wonderful years of marriage with his wife, Lisa, and together they raised three loving sons Jason, John, and James. Jay was a constant presence in his boys’ lives and always at their activities and games. He cherished spending summer days with them at the beach.

“Jay was always up for a competitive game with anyone up to the challenge. He especially loved backgammon. Many will remember seeing Jay walking, biking, or skateboarding over the Sea Bright bridge or through his West Park neighborhood with his beloved dog Louie by his side. Jay loved family ski trips to Vermont, biking on Sandy Hook, playing tennis and participating in pet therapy at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer with his wife Lisa.

“Known for his willingness to help others, Jay was always ready to lend a hand whether helping with technology, repairing one of the boy’s (or their friends) bikes, researching a purchase, tackling a home project, or whipping up a homemade Spanish omelet for his boys. After Hurricane Sandy destroyed their home, Jay’s attention to detail and Lisa’s creativity helped them rebuild a beautiful home for their family.

“He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.”
Loved ones of Jay Halikias in his obituary

Jay was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Thomas Halikias and Margarita Sanchez Halikias.

He is survived by: his wife, Lisa; his sons, Jason Thomas, 22, John Richard, 19, and James Lee, 17; his sister, Katherine (David) Montgomery, of Ridgewood; his brother, Tom (Jess) Halikias, of Lisbon, Portugal; his sister-in-law, Andrea (Dave) Luker, of Monmouth Beach; his nieces and nephews, Nina Montgomery PhD, William Montgomery, CeCe Montgomery (Milan Udawatta), Sophie Montgomery MD, Thomas Montgomery, Hudson Halikias, Charlie Halikias; grand-niece Reya and cousins Ricky (Dana) Donovan, Katie (Tim) Donovan, Kellie Donovan and Maggie (Shreyas) Donovan.

Visitation with the family will be held on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Church in Rumson, immediately followed by a Catholic mass. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jay’s memory to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation and Stephy’s Place Support Center for Grief and Loss, Red Bank, NJ.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home