Toni Reynolds (Grady)

I, too, was shocked when I learned of Jay's death. I got to know Jay much better after graduation when he and his second wife were neighbors of mine and Woody's. Woody and I were living in a custom built home in BrookGlen Village and Jay and his wife were living in the townhouses below us. I visited Jay a lot when he was recuperating from either back or leg surgery. I can't remember which one. He was a wonderful person and I am so glad that we were able to connect with each other long after graduation.

Ted Hunter

I moved to Asheboro in 2011 so that I could hang out with Jay. We had been best friends since 7th grade. The day Jay passed, we had plans to hang. My car died, I couldn't get to him. I did receive a voice message, just his dog "Sweetie" barking. Totally esoteric.

Michael Brown

I did not realize that Jay had passed away until I saw notification on the SHS site.  Jay and I were in a number of classes together and usually were placed near each other due to seating arrangements based on alphabetically ordered names.  On more than one occasion I sat right behind him.  It was a good spot.  Jay was funny, friendly, open, social, wise, smart, always made everyone feel at home, and was overflowing with charm, joy and playful mischievousness.  As Patti has said, Jay was talented in so many areas.  As I write this I am looking at a drawing of Jay's that has been hanging in my office area, his picture entitled the "Iron Horse."  -- the billowing smoke of a beautiful locomotive pulling a long train as it cuts its way across the desolate western frontier.  A strong, bold, evocative drawing of great hope, courage, perseverence, and a powerful and heroic picture of just moving forward each day through the up's, down's, in's, and out's of life.  Jay gave me this piciture at least thirtyyears ago and it has hung before me all these years.   He was a wonderful friend.  Jay remains loved. Thanks Ted for the picture you posted of Jay.  He looked just like what a Jay Armfield would look like!  Let's stay in touch with old friends.    

Michael Brown 

Toni Reynolds (Grady)

Ted and Mike. Both of you are such good people. Ted, thank you for posting the picture of Jay. After he and his wife moved from the townhouses, Woody and I really missed them. Jay was always so sweet to me too. I had a crush on him in school too.

Mike, how thoughtful of you to share your memories of Jay and especially the drawing. I didn't know that Jay could draw.

Looking forward to seeing both of you at the reunion. God bless you both!

Libby Johnson (Huss)

He was a great person and he is missed.

Nicki DiMaria (Stewart)

Here is Jay's obituary:

Obituary for Mr. Jay Armfield

Mr. James “Jay” Albert Armfield, Jr., 63, of Asheboro, NC, died Thursday, July 19, 2012, at his residence.

No services are scheduled at this time.

A native of Forsyth County, NC, Mr. Armfield was born July 29, 1948. He was the son of the late James Albert Armfield and Margaret Walker Armfield. Mr. Armfield was retired from the Greensboro Police Lab and he served in the US Air Force.

Mr. Armfield is survived by his wife, Kaye Armfield, of the home; daughter, Shanon Armfield; and son, Ray Armfield. 

Dick Hughes

I have two of Jay's drawings. one of a train and one in my yearbook about a certain beach trip.