I used to work with Jay way back in 1996-97 at the Pizza Hut in Rochester Hills. He was a funny guy and a joy to work with even back then.
My condolences to his family and friends.

Jay’s smart, insightful humor lifted everyone around him. I remember him wrestling with his brother at 7 and 42. Food and Phish were his passions. His excitement in the kitchen was palpable. His hugs were the best! I love you Jay and will miss you deeply.

The family will miss Jay.He was a very talented young man. My thoughts and prayers are with the Gundy family.

Jay and I traveled together, cooked together, ran restaurants together, laughed together and very rarely had a serious moment (but when we did, it was impactful and memorable). I can't look at his picture without hearing his infectious laugh. He is still loved by so many people that he connected over the years. His joy carries on through our stories and memories.

Jay was more than just my little brother, he was my friend, my protector, my heavy lifter, he was where I went to brainstorm, vent, laugh, let my hair down, cry, dance, share my joy, he was my go to for everything. Share a memory, which one? 43 years of watching you become an amazing, talented, generous and kind badass, but you asked me many times which was my favorite memory. Spac, Lockn, or Ween in Chicago were what you had me choose from. I always answered SPAC because it was our first time as adults traveling to see music. You watched me save a hibiscus tree and you screamed WITCH while pointing at me for all to see. We sat a the hotel bar sipping spirits while waiting to check into our room. It's where I lost my chair & you lost your t-shirt by the car, both were found. It's the first time you yacked up brioche, trying to be all cool and unnoticed- fortunately not on me that time! Let's Go! was debuted, you snuck in a michigan beer in a red solo cup through security, then pointed and laughed at them when you were at a safe distance so they couldn't do anything about it. We ate great, we raged, we weathered a storm. We Gundy'd! What I'll miss most is YOU! I Love You! Photos are from that weekend!

Jay was an incredible guy. He introduced me to from scratch food when I was 19. He fueled my passion for cooking and was role model for how a Chef should treat his staff. Jay was accepting of everyone no matter who you were. He was funny and downright ridiculous in the best way possible and will truly be missed. Rest easy my brother, you were my first role model in the kitchen and will always be my “Shidoshi”, love you and will never forget you.

I have TONS of great memories with James. He made high school a blast! From hanging out in the Gundy Garage to skateboarding behind Mitzelfelds we always laughed, made fun of each other, and had something to do and somewhere to go. I remember when we all hung out at Gruits’s house listening to Pink Floyd in the dark. I’ll miss you brother!!