John Willard "Jay" Tawes, 73, of Crisfield, passed away Monday, January 20, 2025 at his home.

Born in Crisfield on May 22, 1951, he was a son of the late Philip Wesley Tawes and Peggy Lou Unzicker Tawes.

He was a graduate of Crisfield High School class of 1969 and obtained his Bachelor Degree in marketing from the University of Richmond in 1973.  He was owner of Tawes Insurance in Crisfield.

Jay loved Crisfield, the people of Crisfield, and devoted more than 50 years of his life in economic development to try and help his community. He served and volunteered for numerous organizations, and was a dedicated member of Immanuel United Methodist Church.

He enjoyed golfing, boating, and sailing down the middle of the Chesapeake Bay was his biggest pleasure.

A very loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, he is survived by his wife of 43 years, Debbie Outten Tawes; his daughter, Jayna Grant and husband Jacob; his son, Jayson Tawes; his grandchildren who he adored, Isabella Jayde Grant, Nathan John Grant, and Mia Avalynne Grant; two brothers, Philip Wesley Tawes, Jr. and David William Tawes; his mother-in-law, Esther Outten; his fur baby, Hanna; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.

A funeral service officiated by Pastors Jim Riley and Stephen Willing will be Friday, January 24, 2025 at 1 PM at Immanuel United Methodist Church, 206 W. Main Street, Crisfield, MD.  A viewing will be from 11 AM until service time at 1 PM.  Interment will be in Sunnyridge Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to be sent to Immanuel U. M. Church Memorial Fund, c/o Robert H. Bradshaw, Jr., 306 W. Main Street, Crisfield, MD 21817; or Crisfield Heritage Foundation, P.O. Box 253, Crisfield, MD 21817.