Jay was born on January 2, 1971, to Linda and Jeff Tyndall in Kinston, North Carolina. He graduated from South Lenoir High School. Jay was a devoted husband, father, brother, and son. He was full of energy and charisma and became fast friends with everyone he encountered. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, TarHeel basketball, and playing the drums in his band, Big Drink Music Company. Jay worked in sales for Sysco Foods, Inc., and he was a dedicated volunteer fireman with Hugo Volunteer Fire Department. He felt honored to serve and care for his community.

In February 1993, he was married to Kathy Jo Hill. Jay and Kathy had two children, Ashley and Ian. Ian, now 17 years old, also continues to serve the Hugo Volunteer Fire Department, as he did along with his daddy. Ian will always cherish the one-on-one time he spent with his daddy training to be a firefighter. Ashley, now 22 years old, and her daddy were always laughing and joking, always enjoying their close relationship. They had planned to have a non-traditional and upbeat daddy-daughter dance of their own design at her September 2017 wedding.

Jay’s last call was on May 12, 2016. Jay touched many people around the city of Kinston, and his memory will continue to live on.