Julian “Jay” Sollohub died on December 13, 2023 in Tallahassee after a 3 year battle with glioblastoma. He passed away at home, surrounded by loved ones. A memorial will be held at 10 a.m. (EST), Saturday, Feb 24th, 2024 at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home,1737 Riggins Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32308 (850-877-8191) **In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Big Bend Hospice, 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32308.**
Jay was born on May 18, 1945, in Cooperstown, NY to Julian “Solly” and Catherine “Katie” Sollohub. He spoke fondly of his childhood, growing up on a small farm. At the age of 10, he and his family moved to Paris, France while his father, an Army Engineer, aided in post-war reconstruction. At 13, he chose to leave home to attend Maryknoll Junior Seminary, lovingly called the Venard, in Pennsylvania where he excelled and began many lifelong friendships. After graduation, Jay spent two years at Notre Dame before enlisting in the Army. He was stationed in Seoul, Korea where he met the love of his life, Wonja Kim. They moved to Seattle in 1970 where they embraced the birth of their 2 sons. Jay studied psychology at the University of Washington. In 1972 he moved his family to Baltimore where he attended Johns Hopkins and studied and taught psychology. He worked as a computer programmer when mass computer use was in it’s infancy. He raised his children, enjoyed flying model gliders and among many other interests volunteered as a dosin at the Baltimore Aquarium for 5 years. In 1984 he moved his family to Tallahassee so that they could all be close to his parents. He worked at SCRI for ten years in the programming world until he switched careers to pursue his life’s passion, helping those who need the most help. He received his MSW from Florida State in 1995 and spent the last 20 years of his working life as a bereavement counselor with BBH where he was admired for his dedication, expertise, wisdom and kindness. Jay was a true gentle giant.
A lifelong learner, Jay loved to read, loved to travel, loved the arts and loved nature. At the dinner table, the family never needed a dictionary or encyclopedia-Jay had the answer for any question, earning him the superhero name Professor Google. He could name all 45 US presidents, name all 145 countries and their capitals, recite poetry or Beatles lyrics. He could speak Latin or carry on a conversation in French. He could speak a lizniecie of polish or a solyang of Korean. Jay was a storyteller and although when he would tell his family his stories (often for the 30th or 40th time) he would get lots of eye rolls and anxious toe tapping, he would hold new listeners in thrall. He loved to tell jokes but was the master of the pun, proudly declaring time and time again to whoever would listen- a joke isn’t a Dad joke until it’s full groan.
Julian was a good man. A good husband, a good father, a good son and terrific grandfather. He tried to do his part to make the world a better place. He donated generously to the causes he believed in and walked through the world with kindness and tolerance in his heart.
Julian was preceded in death by his parents Julian and Catherine Sollohub. He is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Wonja; his 2 sons Joseph and Jeffrey; his older siblings Charles and Elaine and his baby sister Kathleen; his grandchildren Cullen and Anna; his adoring daughters in law, Sharon and Zuzana, loving step granddaughters Stephani and Staci, a step great grandson, Ollie, who entertained each other, devoted nieces and nephews, admiring and sad friends and Venard brothers and lastly, his napping buddy and constant shadow-the cat, Lil’ Bit.
SHARE OBITUARYSHARE
v.1.11.6