Jay Harvey Roek, 90, passed away on Sunday, August 5th, 2012, in Stockton, California. He was born on June 27, 1922, at Dameron Hospital to George and Lena (Meyering) Roek. Jay lived his entire life in Stockton, California. He graduated from Stockton High School in 1940. After high school he attended Stockton Junior College at the College of Pacific Campus where he studied civil engineering. He joined the U.S. Navy, November 3, 1942 and was discharged December 7, 1945. Upon completion of his service in the Navy he joined his father and later his brothers in the family business, Roek Construction. He started in the field as an apprentice. After his father George Roek's passing he assumed leadership and was elected president of Roek Construction. He retired in December of 1985. Upon retirement as president of Roek Construction he formed Roek Properties, a commercial real estate firm that he continued to operate until his passing. Jay met his wife Barbara Cassell at First Presbyterian Church in 1939. They married in April 1943, in Logan, Utah where he was stationed while in the Navy. They were happily married for 69 years. Jay was a member of First Presbyterian Church for 82 years and elder for 51 years. He served as a member on the board of directors for Goodwill Industries of San Joaquin Valley for 30 years, Children's Home of Stockton, and Union Safe Deposit Bank for 27 years. He also served as President of the Y.M.C.A. of San Joaquin County, Goodwill Industries, Stockton Chamber of Commerce and Stockton Golf and Country Club. Jay was an avid golfer and enjoyed his weekly bridge games. He was also an enthusiastic fan of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren's activities.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents, George and Lena Roek, sister Anita Roek, brother Jerry Roek, brother in law Verner Strombom and sister in law Sue Roek.

Jay is survived by his loving wife Barbara, his daughters Sylvia Martin (Roger), Laurie Black (Michael) and Marsha Wright, his brothers and sisters, Ruth Strombom, Patty Roek, Lenora Martz (Robert), Joanna Stone (Lon) and Donald Roek (Rochelle), his seven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren, and multiple nieces, nephews and other relatives.

A visitation will be held at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, 831 Industrial Way, Lodi, California on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 from 5:00-7:00 pm. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 31 E. Vine Street, Stockton, California 95202 on Wednesday, August 15, 2012 at 12:00 noon. A reception will follow at the church.

Remembrances may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 31 E. Vine St. Stockton, CA 95202 Jay Roek Memorial or your charity of choice.
The Record Aug. 9, 2012