Jack Olin Bryant Jr.

Jack (Jay) Olin Bryant, Jr. left this world on January 24, 2021 at the age of 60. He was born April 8, 1960 in River Ridge, Louisiana. He is survived by his loving soulmate and devoted wife of 27 years, Tanya Autin Bryant and his three children: Jesse, Jared and Alexa. He is also survived by his parents Jack Olin Bryant, Sr. and Carole Coulon Bryant, his siblings Vickie Mancina (John), Pat Bryant (Robin), and Allen Bryant (Dina), and his nieces and nephews Andy, Leslie, Josh, Sean, Jack, Abby, and Will. Additionally, he is survived by his in-laws: Joseph Adam Autin and Helen Spears Autin, his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Belinda Rivers Alonzo (Marty) and Darren Autin (Michelle), and his nieces and nephews Patti-Rae, Mallorie, Kayla, Jonah, Emma, and Parker and numerous other relatives near and far.

Jay was a graduate of Bonnabel High School Class of 1978. He received a B.S. in Physical Education and M.Ed. from Nicholls State University. He taught at several schools throughout the area before becoming an administrator for the better part of his career. His crowning achievement was being a role model to students while coaching for many years. He extended his coaching style of tough love into his life as an administrator as he helped many kids navigate their high school years. He worked hard every day to accomplish this goal until retiring a few years ago from the St Charles Parish School System. Jay’s retirement was far from a withdrawal from active work, rather, it was an opportunity to venture into and experiment in different areas.

Although he had a great career, Jay was mostly known for the love he shared with his beautiful bride. One look at the two of them and the aura between them was unmistakable. His capacity to love his wife and children was one of his most endearing qualities, but his ability to carry on a conversation with anyone was a close second. He was an absolute baby charmer and enchanting storyteller. He never met an enemy and made friends with everyone he met. Affectionately known as The Vulture by his friends, though he had many nicknames such as Cub and Jay Bird.

Family, friends, coworkers, students and anyone touched by Jay’s life are invited to attend an outdoor, open-house memorial gathering on Sunday, February 7, 2021 at 12:00 PM with a remembrance ceremony beginning at 1:00 PM at a private residence in Mandeville. For the address and directions, please email Inmemoryofjaybryant@gmail.com. Dress is casual with an island or Hawaiian vibe.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you honor Jay by documenting a story or memory. You may email your story to Inmemoryofjaybryant@gmail.com or bring it with you to the memorial. You may also make a monetary donation to the Destrehan High School Fellowship of Christian Athletes Club. Make checks payable to Destrehan High School and please note FCA and Jay Bryant in the memo section.