Ishpeming- Jay M. Blewett, age 60, lifelong Ishpeming resident, passed away on Monday July 27, 2026 at UP Health System Marquette, after an unexpected, brief battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family.

Jay was born on June 23, 1966 to James and Karen (Ollila) Blewett. He grew up in Ishpeming’s Eighth Addition, a great neighborhood.

Jay was a 1985 graduate of Ishpeming High School. He enjoyed playing football and basketball for the Hematites. Jay often told his children, the longer he was out of school the better athlete he was. He was also a member of the National Honor Society. Jay was always happy to see any classmate, truly lifelong friends.

The only employment Jay ever had was running the family grocery stores- Jim’s IGA and Jubilee Foods. He worked every day and truly enjoyed it. Special thanks to JoAnn, Dustin, Keith, Ray, and Sue, his associates, they made his job easy.

The past seven years Jay had the privilege of serving on First Banks Board of Directors. Special thanks to Jeanine, Matt, and Paul Dagenais, Todd Maki, EJ Kostreva, and the rest of the Board. He thought so highly of all of you.

Jay will always be remembered for the love of his town, his friendly smile and wave, and his daily trips with his dogs to his camp on Lake Michigamme.

Jay is survived by his loving wife Christy (Vial) Blewett who he married on July 26, 1991, his 4 children: Taylor, Bryce (Maria), Morgan, and Shae, his parents James R. Blewett of Ishpeming and Karen Krause of Dallas, TX, his sister Tracy (Blewett) Uranga also of Dallas, and not to forget his beautiful grandchildren Lennon and Leo Blewett, and his best friends, Roger Hendrickson, Robert Delongchamp, and Steve Cevigney, truly brothers!

Jay was preceded in death by his grandparents- Paul and Ellen Ollila, Ralph and Ann Blewett, aunt: Marilyn Blewett, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law: David and Connie Vial, and his good friend: Kevin Hodges.

Following Jay’s wishes, funeral services will be private for family. Interment will take place in the Ishpeming Cemetery.

Jay’s family would like to thank all of the UPHS Marquette staff that cared for Jay during his stay, including Dr. Massie, Dr. Butcher, Toni Harnet, NP, and all of the nurses on the 4th and 6th floors, your care was exceptional.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Ishpeming High School Booster Club, Westwood High School Booster Club, Iron Range Hockey Association, or UPAWS in memory of Jay.

Jay’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.