Jay Michael Heying

JAY MICHAEL HEYING

North Liberty

Jay Michael Heying, 55, of North Liberty, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home from the complications of 50-plus years of paraplegia on Feb. 23, 2021, surrounded by his family and friends.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Lensing's Oak Hill, 210 Holiday Rd., Coralville, Iowa. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, a service is planned for the family on Monday, March 1, 2021, at 11 a.m. at Lensing's Oak Hill. However, the service will be livestreamed so the many family members, friends and colleagues can celebrate his life. The Zoom link may be found under the Tribute Wall on Jay's obituary page at www.lensingfuneral.com. A celebration of life will be held later in the summer. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund (JDRF), the Liberty High School Band program, or Iowa City Hospice.

Jay was born in Sumner, Iowa, to Irvin and Marion Heying on Nov. 21, 1965. He grew up in Sumner with his four brothers. The "Heying Boys" were without equal, which is why they always remained so close throughout life. Jay married his high school sweetheart, Lisa O'Brien, on Sept. 14, 1991, in Iowa City, Iowa. He graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling. Jay was working on his Ph.D. when he was hired by the Department of Correctional Services Sixth Judicial District as a psychologist. He worked for the DOC for 27 years.

Jay and Lisa had a son, Thomas Jay "TJ" Heying, which is when Jay realized there was nothing better than being a father. TJ was his whole world since the day he was born. Jay lived life to the fullest and was living proof that nothing was more important than being able to laugh. He enjoyed time spent with his family and friends, listening to TJ play, playing cards, playing pool, music, fire pits, bags, fishing, and playing just a little blackjack.

Jay is survived by his wife, Lisa; and son, TJ (Thomas Jay), both of North Liberty, Iowa; his mother, Marion Heying of Sumner, Iowa; three brothers, Gene (Sue) Heying of Sumner, Iow, Gerry Heying of Waterloo, Iowa, and George (Junever) Heying of Sumner, Iowa; his sister-in-law, Lori Heying; his in-laws, Tom and Darlene O'Brien of Maricopa, Ariz., and abundance of nieces, nephews, extended family members, neighbors and friends.

Jay was preceded in death by his grandparents, Harold and Ella Cue and Pete and Agnes Heying; his father, Irving Heying; and his brother Jeff Heying.

The family of Jay wishes to extend their sincere thanks to Iowa City Hospice, Dr. Chad Tracy, Dr. Brad Erickson, Nicole Williams P.A., the UIHC Department of Urology, Dr. Stuart Weinstein, UIHC Department of Orthopedics, UIHC Department of Infectious Diseases, Dr. Hal Adams, UIHC Department of Neurology, along with all the doctors and staff of MICU and SICU for all their love and care. The family also wants to thank the many friends who supported them over the years. We were blessed to have Jay in our lives. The doctors and staff at UIHC will always have a special place in our hearts.