Obituary of Jay Ingrisch Hilton

JAY INGRISCH HILTON - IT WAS A WONDERFUL LIFE! Jay Ingrisch Hilton was born to Margaret Ingrisch and John Robert Hilton in Chicago on December 6, 1938. He went to be with our Lord and Savior on June 26, 2019. The youngest of five boys, Jay was fondly nicknamed "Sunshine" by parents who expected him to bring blessings into the lives of many others--they were not disappointed. From his days as a youth, Jay was high achiever, attaining the top rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 15. Subsequently, he became a dedicated Scout Leader, paying it forward as he influenced many young men to attain their aspirations. After graduating from Calumet High School in 1958, Jay joined the Illinois Air National Guard as a cook, subsequently enlisting in the Navy later that year. During Basic Training, he developed a life-long bond with his "adopted" brother, Chester (Kamalu) Kahapea. While attending Class A Training at Sandia Naval Training Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1959, Jay met the love of his life, Adelaida "Della" Martinez. The fireworks were spectacular the night of their marriage on July 4, 1959. Jay was then transferred to Waikele, Oahu, Hawaii. Not coincidentally, Chester's mom and dad lived in Oahu. They were delighted to welcome Jay and Della into their family, creating a special relationship enriched by God in many ways throughout the years. Jay and Della were blessed with five children (3 born in Hawaii), and he introduced them as follows: "Number One Child, Number One Daughter, Maria; Number Two Child, Number Two Daughter, Carla; Number Three Child, Number One Son, Joseph; Number Four Child, Number Two Son, Jay J.; and Number Five Child, Number Three Son, Jeffrey." In November of 1963, Jay was commissioned as a Naval officer after completing Officer Candidate School. He was stationed on the USS Furse in Mayport, FL from December 1963 to November 1965. As a Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG) he was transferred to the USS Farragut in Portsmouth, Virginia in December 1965. What follows are some of the other significant highlights in Jay's life: • Dec 66: Attended Destroyer School in Newport, Rhode Island (LTJG/LT) • Jul 67: Stationed on USS O'Bannon, Pearl Harbor Naval Station. Served two tours in Vietnam. The USS O'Bannon was one of his most memorable ships, where he established life-long friendships. • Jul 69: Transferred to COMMINEPAC, Long Beach, CA • Jun 71 to Jun 73: Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA; Bachelor's degree. (LT/LCDR) • Jul 73 to May 74: USS Constellation, San Diego, CA • Jun 74 to Jan75: Fleet Combat, San Diego • Jan 75 to May 77: COMCRUDESGRU FIVE San Diego • May 78 to August 80: COMNAVSURFPAC San Diego (LCDR/CDR) • Aug 80: Retired from Navy; earned Master's degree in Education' emphasis as a Reading Specialist. Taught in Coachella, CA & San Ysidro, CA; and Adult Education with San Diego Schools • Oct 90-92: Otay Water District Director • President of USS O'Bannon Reunion group for many years • 1994: Moved to Arizona • 1999: Moved to Tucson to be close to their daughter, Carla and her family Jay never met a stranger, and lived his life with a servant's heart. He loved to laugh and make others laugh. He kept in touch with family and friends around the world. He taught his children to treat others with respect, the value of hard work, and the importance of education. He took great pleasure in traveling with his wife, Della, and cooking for others. He valued faith and family foremost. Jay was predeceased by his son, Joseph Hilton (2005). He is survived by wife Della, daughters Maria (Michael) Lewis; Carla (Greg) Reiter; sons Jay J. (Julie) Hilton; Jeffrey (Susan) Hilton; and 15 grandchildren: Michael J. Lewis, Joshua (Sally) Lewis, Sarah Lewis, Betsy (Patrick) Reiter-Amposta, Rebecca Reiter, John Reiter, Ian Hilton, Eric Hilton, Brianna Hilton, Bridget Hilton, Brandon Hilton, Brooke Hilton, Taylor Hilton, Belle Hilton, and Calista Hilton. He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews, and devoted friends around the country. He was dedicated to his family and friends. His wit and love of family and friends will be missed. In lieu of flowers, we welcome you to make donations in Jay's memory to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org) or Fisher House (Helping Military Families) (engage.fisherhouse.org)