K6MB, John "Jay Hughes passed away Sunday afternoon, November 16 from a sudden stroke. Jay was very active on 20 and 40 meters SSB and was one of the regulars on 14.185 every morning. He lived in Lake Ellsinore, CA.
Jay was an avid DX,er and a friend to all and will be dearly missed on the bands. Cards and condolences can be sent to K6AER and will be forwarded to his sister Maureen.
Sorry to hear about the passing of Jay. He will be missed. Just won't be the same on 185 without the "mighty banana" I am glad I had the chance to meet him in person and enjoyed the road trip to Visalia in 2008 with him.
Well miss Jay-Bird very much..Had many good stories about ham radio..14185 will not be the same..We all miss him..
Going to miss talking to Jay K6Mighty Banana.
73
Roland AH6RR
I am going to miss Jay's ongoing stories about his Steppir antenna!! and how he didn't like the low bass response of the enhanced audio guys!! The Jay Bird loved radio...He is going to be missed by many ops
Although I am a General class operator I listened to Jay all the time over an 8 yr span. I had several SSB "ragchews" with him on 20 meter when he would come up to the General class portion. His signal was incredible here especially since I use a home made indoor transmitting all band doublet. He will be missed. Rest in Peace Jay 73
From Jay's Memorial Service:
"A number of Jay's radio friends visited him and some were from other countries. He greatly enjoyed these visits and swapping stories.
Through these meetings, he met his good friend Yutaka. Yutaka visited Jay numerous times at his home in Lake elsinore. One of the highlights of Jay's life was spending a month in Japan with Yutaka. He fell in love with Yutaka's country; both the people and the food. The comaraderie and friendships he formed there enriched Jay's life."
Jay was very proud of his mobile antenna - the "California Bug Smasher". Although not a great financial success there are many of the antenna's around the world and they perform very well.
Jay was my friend for 35 years and he will be greatly missed.