John "Jay" E. Pease, formerly known as John E. Mayer, age 80, passed away on Monday, August 3, 2026, at Ascension All Saints in Racine just a few days shy of his birthday. He was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on August 7, 1945, to the late John E. and Edith M. (Smiley) Pease.

John lived in various places during his childhood, but primarily in southeastern Wisconsin. A member of Oak Creek High School's class of 1964, he evolved into a versatile craftsman who wore many hats with ease or in need. His early career highlights included serving in the US Air Force from 1963 to 1982. During that time he served as an Airman – including a role as Load Master – during the Vietnam War, and studied Fire Protection Services which led him to serving as a firefighter in Norco, Riverside, California. At the time of his honorable discharge, he was a Staff Sergeant.

His journey eventually brought him full circle back to the southeastern Wisconsin region, where he resettled and led a remarkably diverse professional life, contributing his talents to the community through various roles including, but not limited to: building maintenance for the Milwaukee VA Hospital, automotive service technician, and his passion for craftsmanship by founding his self-named woodworking & custom cabinetry venture. Ultimately, John's versatile professional life found its true rhythm on the open road, culminating in a dedicated 25-year tenure in long-haul trucking that spanned 45 of the 50 states, navigating millions of miles with steady expertise and unwavering reliability

When not at work, John's hobbies included bowling, dancing on Friday and Saturday nights, playing golf, grilling in his backyard, and playing recreational sports. He also had a lifelong love for boats, ranging from building model kits to piloting his own Carver Flybridge Cruisers. Most of all, he enjoyed helping others, and his hands were guided by a brilliant, restless imagination that could fix almost anything. He lived life on his own terms, defined by his charmingly fierce devotion, generosity, and steady support for family and friends.

John is survived by his daughter, Shannon M. (Mayer) and husband, Lonnie Cheek, of whom he never missed an opportunity to share how deeply proud he was; beloved grandson, Patrick, who brought immense joy to his final years; significant other of 15 years, Phyllis Darge; half-sister Patricia J. Johnston; many cousins and other loved ones.

He was preceded in death by his parents (father in 2000, mother in 2009) and his former wife, Susan M. Mayer (2013).

A visitation will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2026 at Covenant Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), 40 Ohio Street, Racine from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. A service will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m, and light reception thereafter. A private burial will be held the following day at Wisconsin Memorial Park Inc with full military honors.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the WI Parkinson's Association, Parkinson's Foundation, Michael J. Fox Foundation or the Disabled American Veterans.