Obituary: Jay Charles Fry
Although Jay devoted much of his life to football, it was only a part of his life. The most important part and the greatest joy of his life was his family.
Jay Charles Fry, age 97, passed away on Aug. 18, 2026 at Woodland Country Manor.
He was born March 26, 1929, in Hamilton, Ohio, to John Oscar Fry and Zerelda McKhann Fry.
Jay was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Phyllis and a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend. Jay and Phyllis built a life filled with faith, family, adventure, travel, music, dancing and laughter. They were devoted members of Victory Christian Church in Oxford, Ohio.
Jay’s professional life was defined by a notable football career. At Miami University, Jay played under legendary coaches Woody Hayes and Ara Parseghian, winning a MAC championship and Salad Bowl in 1950. He later embarked on a successful coaching career in collegiate as well as professional football in the United States and Canada.
In 1952, Jay began his coaching career at Celina High School. He went on to serve as a player- coach for the Guelph Dutchman from 1952-53. He took over the helm as head coach in 1954, bringing championship traditions to the university. Jay returned to Miami in 1956, assisting John Pont with football and becoming the Miami head wrestling coach. Jay went on to become the offensive and defensive line coach at Miami, helping lead the team to the 1962 MAC championship and a trip to the Tangerine Bowl. He then went on with John Pont to coach at Yale University from 1963-64. In 1965 He joined Indiana University as offensive coordinator, coaching Indiana’s 1968 Rose Bowl team. Jay moved on to coach in the Canadian Football League with the Ottawa Rough Riders winning a Grey Cup in 1973. Next, he joined head football coach and teammate John McVay to coach the Memphis Grizzlies, leading them to the World Division Championship in the World Football League. Jay completed his professional coaching career with the New York Giants from 1975-1978, coaching the offensive and defensive line. At the completion of his professional coaching career, Jay returned to Oxford Ohio with his family and coached the Miami University Club Football team.
He put his heart and soul into coaching the team for over a decade, competing in two national championship games. Jay’s strong desire to support student athletes led him to establish and facilitate over 60 golf outings to raise funds for scholarships to be given to prospective Miami student athletes, making a difference in the lives of many young men and women. Jay's contributions to football were recognized with induction into the Cedarville Hall of Fame Miami University Hall of Fame, Guelph Hall of Fame, Butler County Hall of Fame, National Football League Alumni Hall of Fame and Indiana Football Hall of Fame. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Indiana Football Hall of Fame.
Although Jay devoted much of his life to football, it was only a part of his life. The most important part and the greatest joy of his life was his family. Jay treasured his time with Phyllis, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Traveling with Phyllis and his family brought him joy. He also found happiness in farming, flying airplanes, listening to music and dancing with Phyllis. Jay brought such joy to his family. To his children he was “dad.” His grandchildren called him “grampa.” However, it was the name given to him by his great grandchildren that truly defined what he meant to all of them. They called him “great” and that is the name that stuck! Jay was great with his generosity and he had great enthusiasm for life! Great was more than a nickname, it was who he was. Jay’s positive outlook on life had an impact on all he came in contact with. Being positive was not just talk, it was how he lived and how he will be remembered.
Jay was preceded in death by his beloved wife Phyllis and son-in-law Greg Richardson.
He is survived by his children: Jay (Linda) Fry, Beth (Ron) Reagh and Julie Richardson. His grandchildren: Natalie (Mike) McMath, Kristianne Fry, Zane Fry, Katie (J.J) Slager, Christopher (Chantel) Reagh, Abby (Jake) Richardson, J.J (Karolina) Reagh, Jamos (Sally) Richardson, Ryan (Rachael) Richardson, Jacob Richardson and great-grandchildren: Iris and Ewen McMath, Caroline, Dylan, Reagan and Ty Slager, Quintin, Jase, Grant and Bryce Richardson, Liam, Ella and Brynn Richardson. Jay also leaves his sister and best friend, Nancy Sturgeon, with whom he shared a lifelong special bond.
To the players and coaches of Miami’s Club football program, volunteering your time, your dedication and sharing your love of football with Jay, were so deeply appreciated. The family extends endless thanks and gratitude to the wonderful staff at Woodland Country Manor for the kind and compassionate care they provided Jay and his family. Last, but not least, thank you Pastor Steve for all your loving support. A celebration of life will take place in the fall during the football season. Arrangements will be shared at a later time.
This obituary was submitted to the Oxford Free Press.
