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<p><em>Joseph Mervin “Jay” Rose Jr.</em> was born on May 6, 1955 in Oakland, CA to Joseph and Eleanor Rose. His father, mother, and his younger sister, Janice, were all eyewitnesses to Jay’s incredible life. Jay attended Charter Oak High School in Covina, CA, where he excelled in track, football, drama, choir, and as student body president. In 1974, Representative Charles Wiggins, who served on the House Judiciary Committee during the Watergate investigation, took time to meet with Jay and appointed him to West Point.</p>
<p> On July 8, 1974, Jay stood at attention and swore allegiance against all enemies, foreign and domestic, at Trophy Point. Completing Beast Barracks in 1st New Cadet Company, this straight-arrow cadet was assigned to the very relaxed F-2 “Zoo” for all four years. The Zoo was not what he expected to find at West Point (it was a “wild” company!); however, it was what he needed and what helped him become the type of West Pointer he was. </p>
<p>His fellow F-2 Zoo classmates helped Jay relax and enjoy life—to stop and smell the roses. In turn, he helped them embrace “Duty, Honor, Country.” His example was impeccable for all to follow. Arny Ferando said it best, “I honestly saw Jay as the manifestation of what West Point was all about.” Bill Fox added, “Jay was a natural leader… who could also kid around, with his infectious smile, and pick us up during gloomy days.” Mike McIntyre put it this way, “He just didn’t let the grind of West Point get to him.”</p>
<p>The F-2 Zoo guys “got” Jay Rose, and he “got” them. For example, “Old Man” Bobby Olds said, “On a moment’s notice, Jay would drop what he was doing and would cover for classmates.” When the Corps was shuffled after the Class of 1977 honor scandal, the F-2 Zoo classmates were scrambled to other companies, but not Jay Rose. He remained in F-2, graduated from Ranger School in the summer and welcomed new companymates into the Zoo that autumn. His hospitality was legendary. As “Smitty” John Smith later put it, “Jay had a very pleasant way of making others feel important.” All were welcomed into Jay Rose’s company, his world, and his life. As the “new” F-2 Zoo finished the next two years, his cow and firstie companymates defined Jay as “passionate,” “hard charging,” “personable,” and “one who presented a confident and hardcore air.” When graduation from West Point arrived, life’s pace increased, and Jay met it head on. His outstanding early years as a cadet and a young Army officer laid the foundation for his successful Army career, which led to his promotion to lieutenant colonel. </p>
<p>At the Class of 1978’s 20th class reunion, Randy Hill, Jay’s companymate as a cow and firstie, saw a difference in Jay. “The emergence of his faith in the Lord [was powerful],” Randy said. “He was still intense, but he had been tempered by his experience with God [during his first bout with cancer]. Jay told me he was living on borrowed time. He projected humility and gentleness.” </p>
<p>In 1999 Jay met Deborah Gristock, and they fell hard for each other. Together they indeed stopped and smelled the roses. On July 6, 2000, Jay and Deborah were married. His life was complete. The last of the F-2 Zoo animals became domesticated, even lovely. They cooked together, traveled together and loved life together. His Facebook page on “What is in the Rose’s Kitchen” became the place to go. His kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren walked, talked and cooked with Jay. They loved him with an intensity and joy he understood.</p>
<p>Deborah summed up Jay’s last days: “Jay kept his humor and his wit, and I love him for that. He didn’t waste one minute and neither should any of us.” Jay entered into the rest of God on August 1, 2024. The world glimmered less that day, and yet Heaven shone brighter. Jay grips hands with us, apron on, pots clanging and the smell of wonderful food in the air, awaiting our final shuffle and our first meal together.</p>
<p><em>— Dennis Mansfield, Deborah Rose, and Classmates</em></p>
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