Mr. Cary Jay Cross

Jay, as he was known, is survived by his wife, Debbie; his four children, Evan, Amber, Ashton, and Ashley; his mother, Barbara Crawford Cross; his brother and sister-in-law, Chad and Lynee’ Cross; many nieces and nephews, and loving in-laws; Kay and Jimmy Moore. He was predeceased by his father, Charles Allan Cross; his brother, Charles Allan Cross JR.; and his sister, Cathleen Cross.

Jay was born on January 12, 1962, in Dallas, Texas. He was raised in Irving, Texas, and was active in the youth group at Central Church of Christ. There, he was able to form lasting memories and friendships, and strengthen his love of the Lord. In Irving High School, his outgoing nature found the perfect outlet by serving as an enthusiastic “keeper of the tiger”, the school mascot, before graduating in 1980.

After high school, Jay attended Texas A&M University after the enticement of an Anniversary Edition gold Trans Am. There, he was president of his freshman class and joined the Corps of Cadets as a member of Squadron 12, known as an all-professional unit. All four years in Trojan 12, this squadron was presented the scholastic award for highest GPA. He enjoyed many wonderful experiences in the corps at Texas A&M that shaped his life. From march-ins to working bonfires to the regiments of Duncan Dining Hall, he worked to become the embodiment of the spirit and traditions of a Fighting Texas Aggie.

Two days after graduating from A&M in 1984, he became a student at Baylor Law School. For Jay, practicing law was a life dream that began in jr. high when he came home and announced to his mother that he had decided to become a lawyer. He never strayed from that decision attesting to his practice of staying the course. At Baylor, he was a driven student, graduating in two years in 1986. A great privilege for Jay was to be able to create a scholarship at Baylor to benefit aspiring law students. In recent years, Jay enjoyed returning to Baylor to help with the Top Gun National Mock Trial Competition.

After Baylor, he began his law career at the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office and enjoyed practicing under the notable district attorney Henry Wade. After leaving the prosecutor’s office, Jay sought his double board certification, allowing him to practice a broad spectrum of law during his thirty-six-year career. Above all, though, he thrived as a trial lawyer. A skilled orator, Jay was in his element in front of a jury. There, he demonstrated his passion and devotion to the law and his clients.

Jay was a devoted and loving husband and father. He invariably dedicated himself to his family’s interests and could always be found in the middle of the action. From sports games to dance recitals, Jay was there. He also took great joy in being of service. From legal advice to stopping to change a flat tire, Jay consistently looked for and attended to anyone in need of a helping hand. When he took time for himself, motorcycle trips with family, golfing with friends, and cooking for others were among his favorite activities. The special touches he added to each relationship will be fondly remembered.

His family would like to thank everyone for all their love, compassion, and support during this time.

Services for Jay will be held on Thursday, September 1st at White Chapel United Methodist Church’s Grace Chapel located at 185 South White Chapel Boulevard, Southlake, Texas. Visitation will be from 12:00 PM-1:00 PM with the service immediately following from 1:00 PM-2:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bluebonnethills.com for the cross family.