Jay G. Goodridge ’67

Jay died Jan. 14, 2020, in Los Angeles, shortly after suffering a severe stroke.

He graduated from Vermilion High School in Ohio, where he was a member of the National Honor Society, editor of the yearbook, a class officer, and played varsity football. He was a competitive sailboat racer and won an American Legion essay contest.

Jay briefly attended the Naval Academy but transferred to Princeton in time for September classes. He majored in English and wrote his thesis on William Faulkner for Professor John Fleming *63. A member of Cottage Club, Jay served on the Undergraduate Schools Committee and Whig-Clio, played 150-pound football, and participated in interclub football and basketball. Senior year he roomed in 211 1939 Hall with Nick Adamson, John Bitner, Chris Cooke, Doug Kelbaugh, Bloxie Baker, and Jim Millar. He also remained close friends with Jan Scheutzow, a roommate from sophomore and junior years.

Following graduation Jay enrolled in the degree program at the Rhode Island School of Design, then began a career in graphic design in Boston. He switched careers to be an independent manufacturer’s representative in Palatine, Ill., and Califon, N.J. For five years he owned and operated a lodge in Silver Plume, Colo. He also resided in the Los Angeles area and briefly in Mexico and Maine.

Jay’s artistic interest continued his entire life, and his talent was later recognized. He was strongly influenced by his sojourn in Mexico, which led to exhibitions in New York City and longtime sales representation in galleries in Cabo San Lucas.

He married Sally Mead and they had two sons, Blair and Colin. His sons recalled Jay remarking that his Princeton days were “among the best” in his life.

Jay is survived by his sons; his former wife Sally Mead Dietrich; and his brother Jeffrey.