Capt. Jay Scott Dudley, Medical Corps, USN

CAPT Jay S. Dudley, Medical Corps, USN, age 55, died Sunday, July 12, 2015, after an extremely protracted battle with throat cancer. Dr. Dudley is survived by his wife of 32 years, Selma, and their two children, Austin and Morgan. Dr. Dudley is also survived by his two sisters, Terri Dudley and Chris Blair, and his brother, Randy. Dr. Dudley was a veteran of Desert Storm and proudly served his country for 34 years as a Naval physician. He grew up in Florissant, Missouri with his parents, Jack and Betty Dudley, and his two sisters and brother. As a child, he was an active member of the Boy Scouts, proudly attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Upon graduation from McCluer North High School, he entered into a newly developed six year undergraduate/medical school program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he met Selma. After earning his medical degree, Jay accepted a commission in the Navy where he worked as both a Family Physician and Aerospace Medicine Specialist. Jay’s fondest Naval memories were of his duties with NASA as a rapid response Flight Surgeon for space shuttle launches and landings at Cape Canaveral. His career also included tours in Iwakuni, Japan; Fort Rucker, Alabama; and at Navy Personnel Command in Millington, Tennessee; and several tours at the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute in Pensacola, Florida. He attained the rank of Captain, proudly wearing both the Naval flight surgeon wings and surface warfare pin. He was also awarded U.S. Army flight surgeon wings. His constant goal was to care for his patients and subordinates as Christ would have done. Jay was not bitter over his battle with, and eventual loss to, cancer. He believed, “It was a tool to minister and uplift others through their own journeys with cancer. Christ provided the strength, encouragement, and promise of life after death at the foot of Jesus.” Jay was most saddened by the thought of not being able to be physically present with Selma and his family for the great future events – growing old with Selma and catching up on too many missed vacation opportunities, family marriages, Morgan’s college graduation, Austin’s winging as a U.S. Naval aviator, grandchildren, etc. However, Jay strongly believed in shedding his failing “earth suite” and being immediately blessed with a brand-new heavenly body without pain and suffering. Visitation will be held Thursday, July 16, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South. Services celebrating Jay’s life will be held on Friday, July 17 at 8:30AM at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church. He will be interred at Barrancas National Cemetery immediately following the celebration. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME SOUTH, 100 Beverly Pkwy, is entrusted with arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com

Tributes

Capt. Jay Scott Dudley, Medical Corps, USN

May 17, 1960 - July 12, 2015