Jay Simon

Jay Simon of Wichita, Kansas, passed away on October 13, 2026 at the age of 50.

Jay David Simon was born February 26, 1976 in Wichita, KS, the first child of Randy and Alice Simon. Born in the Bi-Centennial of our Country, he experienced an All-American childhood growing up in the 70’s, 80’s, & 90’s.  As a kid, Jay loved Star Wars, action figures, biking, exploring, video games, and sports. A lifelong Catholic, he attended elementary school at St. Thomas Aquinas and high school at Kapaun Mt. Carmel, both in Wichita. At Kapaun he flourished in the Drama department where he made lasting friendships and had starring roles in plays from Freshman year until Senior year in performances like Grease, West Side Story and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Jay attended college at Regis University in Denver and Wichita State University. He worked in the Hospitality industry as a teenager and throughout his entire working life. He had long careers in Management, where Jay was known by his staff for his fun workplace antics, at both Panera Bread and Freddy’s Frozen Custard, named in honor of his grandpa, Freddy Simon.

Jay traveled extensively throughout his life, visiting Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, and dozens of states, including Hawaii countless times. His favorite destination was the Lake of the Ozarks on summer trips with his family, including extended family. There, Jay would swim, boat, fish, ski, and explore. When he became old enough, his favorite activity was relaxing by the lake with a good whiskey.

Jay loved music, including the Blues, and R.E.M. was his favorite band. He had a remarkable sense of humor and brought it to all aspects of his life. He loved stand-up comedy, comedy movies and shows, and sketch comedy including Saturday Night Live, Second City, and Kids in the Hall.

Jay was a big sports fan. He adored the St. Louis Cardinals and attended the 2004, 2011, and 2013 World Series with his Dad. He cheered for Shocker basketball, attending hundreds of games throughout his life. Jay was an early fan of UFC and famously hosted parties around the big fights. He started many softball teams and loved a pickup game of basketball in the driveway or wiffle ball in the backyard.

In his 40’s Jay was diagnosed with Huntington’s Disease which left him without the ability to walk, talk, or eat on his own. He was cared for by his parents, family, friends, and his personal devoted caregiver, Shonette, as well as the staff of Regent Park where he resided for the last two and a half years.

Jay was a good-hearted son, grandson, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend who held a special place in the hearts of those close to him.

Jay is survived by his parents, Randy & Alice (Babich) Simon; his sister, Jessica (Jeff) Schwab; his brother, Ben (Rachael) Simon; nieces and nephews, Jude and Danelle Simon and Maris, Avila, Lincoln, and Truman Schwab; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Helen Babich, and Fred and Norma Simon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established with: The Cause for Father Kapaun, 424 N. Broadway Wichita, KS 67202; and Kapaun Mt. Carmel Drama Department, 8506 E. Central Wichita, KS 67206.

A Rosary will be held at 7:30 p.m., Monday, October 19, 2026 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1321 N. Stratford Ln. Wichita, KS 67206.

The Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church 1321 N. Stratford Ln. Wichita, KS 67206. The Mass will be live streamed.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuaries — East Wichita.