Jay Earl Knapp

Jay, I will never forget what you have done for me in my life and it all started at 8 years old. Thank you for being my big brother, my mentor, and my friend most of all. I will cherish all the memories of being underground and of course above ground. You always gave me the humbling advice. And I will never forget when we went to tag in Tennessee and I was humbled as a man at 17 years old. I will never let go of these memories. Thank you and I love you man

I will always miss my navigator

Papa Jay I’ll always remember our hikes behind your house down to the creek the stops at the gas station on our way to dance and you helping me learn how to drive after picking me up from work. I love you and will miss you and I’m so thankful for our got the time and memories. I’ll cherish them till I see you again.

Wow. What adventures my younger brother and I had! 80 ft. tall sand hills in Xanadu cave… Deep pits in tag where Jay did nearly all the rope rigging… I trusted Jay with my life. I will never forget getting stuck in a passage so tight I could neither inch forward or back. No problem though – just call out for little brother and he pulled on my feet until I came loose… A brother never leaves a brother, does he? Jay and I sat in his apartment late last year reliving many of these times we had and it was truly bittersweet. Knowing he was getting weaker by the month, I made the drive from Virginia to see him but not primarily to reminisce. First and foremost, I wanted to talk to Jay about his eternal destination. I didn’t know if Jay had a saving faith in Jesus Christ… Still don’t. No human being is capable of judging another man or woman’s heart, no matter how close they are. But not knowing meant I could not in good conscience NOT talk to him and explain God’s plan of redemption. I went over what the Bible explains – that none of us (i.e. NOBODY) is good enough on our own merits to spend eternity in heaven. I hope with all my heart and soul that Jay recognized his guilt and realized that Jesus went to the cross to pay the penalty that he deserved. I hope I didn’t come up short in helping him to look inside and see the spiritual condition of his heart. I did the best I knew how… A brother doesn’t leave his brother – does he? In a million years it won’t matter who wins the super bowl a few hours from now. It won’t matter who wins the next election. It won’t matter if we have a great job and can retire in Hawaii. The only thing that will matter to us is if we are in heaven or hell. Michael Bloomberg once recalled all the wonderful things he had done as New York’s mayor and said: “I am telling you if there is a God, when I get to heaven I’m not stopping to be interviewed. I am heading straight in. I have earned my place in heaven. It’s not even close.” If Mr. Bloomberg doesn’t repent of his sins, turn to God, and plead for forgiveness, he is in for the biggest shock of his life. What about you friend? 2 people die every second. What if your last second is tonight? Talk to me about it… Talk to a preacher about it… Call 888-need-Him (888-633-3446). Jay, Amy, and I have another brother… Chris was born severely retarded due to his oxygen getting cut off and died not many years later. As I understand it, he is in paradise with Jesus now. I sometimes ask Jesus to say hi to him and I really look forward to meeting him. As that time grows closer and closer, I also long intensely to meet and see Jesus and tell Him how sorry I am that my sins put Him on the cross. Jesus is everything to me. He is my savior, my redeemer, my counselor, my strength, my provider, my friend and yes… my brother. He went to cross for me because you know… A brother doesn’t leave a brother, does he? I wonder when I do get to see Jesus and the scars on his feet and hands, will I have one other brother (Chris) up there or two brothers (Jay and Chris). I don’t know… But it often keeps me up at night thinking about it.

So sorry for your loss, Amy and Steve. I remember Jay only as a little boy. He was a cutie. Prayers of comfort for y’all and your families.

Jay💙 I know that you’re in a better place now..no pain..and you can eat all your favorite foods without any hesitation.. our four years of working together will be special memories that I will cherish.. your knowledge of the outdoors ..literature.. and family.. not to mention the funny jokes!.. enjoy the peace Jay…ABM will miss you.🙏🏾💙

You are missed, nice memories just talking, having a few laughs. A kind humble soul you were, a friend indeed to everyone. Gone to Soon!

Sorry to see you go so soon Jay. It was a pleasure working with you, and you were, without a doubt, a GREAT person to be around. Rest in peace brother.