Captain John "Jay" I. McDonough II, 52, known by his family as "Jay-Bird", passed away suddenly Wednesday, February 16, 2011. The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 24, 2011 5-8pm at Lohman Funeral Home Daytona. Services will be 11am at First Baptist Church Daytona Beach on Friday, February 25, 2011 with Pastor Lowell Lucas, Pastor Rod Palmer, and Chaplin Ron Fussell officiating. Followed by honors and services at Daytona Memorial Park Cemetery.

Jay was born December 15, 1958 in Fairmont, WV and his family moved to Daytona Beach in the summer of 1960. He attended St. Paul's Catholic School, Campbell Middle School, and graduated in 1977 from Flagler Palm Coast High School, where he was president of the Student Council and became a volunteer fire fighter for the Flagler Beach Volunteer Fire Department. This was the beginning of Jay's passion for helping others and taking care of his community. Jay enjoyed sports and played baseball from Little League all the way through college. In fact he received a full scholarship playing baseball from St. John's River Community College. Two years later he was offered another full scholarship from Valdosta State University. He graduated from Valdosta State University in 1981 with a Bachelors Degree in Business Management. After graduating college he joined his father Thomas I. McDonough helping him run Volusia Feed and Farm Supply in Samsula, FL.

After the feed store was sold he began working for the Volusia County Beach Patrol doing maintenance. He loved to tinker and fix anything so he was a perfect fit for the department. It wasn't long though and he decided he wanted to do become a lifeguard. He couldn't think of a better job than to be at the beach and be there when help was needed. After several years of being a lifeguard he was given the opportunity to cross-train to become a member of the Volusia County Beach Patrol. His whole family was so proud of his accomplishment when they watched him graduate from the Police Academy December 19, 1997. He served as Police Officer and ATV trainer for the Beach Patrol until most recently when he was promoted to Captain.

Jay was a well respected and admired police officer. In 2000 he opened his own business J-Mac Industries Inc. producing all-terrain wheelchairs that he sold to parks and beaches all over the United States. These chairs gave those with physical limitations the opportunity to enjoy beaches parks and rural sites. He was very passionate about this venture. He and his son Darrell lovingly built each chair by hand. In 2010 he organized the First Annual "Run For Those Who Can't" 5k on Daytona Beach sponsored by VSLA to raise funds in order to provide more of these chairs to the Volusia County beaches.

Jay loved being outdoors and anything to do with the water. His other passions were fishing water sports spending quality time with his family and friends and anything to do with turtles. He was also a pilot and enjoyed motorcycles NASCAR and watching baseball with his dad. He was always the life of the party providing kind words practical jokes or a shoulder. Whatever was needed he was there. Jay was the kindest man you would ever meet. He would give you the shirt off his back and every penny in his pocket if you needed it. Extraordinary does not begin to describe this incredible man. He was a husband father son brother; uncle mentor & friend and he will be missed by everyone that he touched.

Jay was preceded in death by his mother Barbara J. Arnett McDonough. He is survived by his loving wife Judy B. Aycock McDonough son Darrell E. McDonough and two beloved dogs Logan and Punky Father Thomas I. McDonough Step-Mother Beverly W. McDonough sister Carol J. McDonough Stair and husband John (Bill) brother Thomas R. McDonough two nieces Jennifer Lynn Stair Stickle and Christine Stair Barnette nephew Travis O. McDonough and great-niece Payton Lynn Stickle.