Ambrose

Joseph James (Jay) Ambrose, 91, of La Grange, was called to be with his Heavenly Father on Friday, April 21, 2017, after a lengthy illness. Jay was born in Rochester, N.Y. on Feb. 19, 1926, the son of Antonio and Lucia (Rossolo) Ambrose. He married Helen Younger on Aug. 20, 1949. Jay loved God, family and Country, in that order. He enlisted in the Navy at age 17 during WWII and was stationed in Corpus Christi. He completed high school while stationed there. He was a Commissioned Officer in the Army through the ROTC while attending the University of Houston. He graduated in 1945. Jay worked for US Electrical Motors as a Regional Manager in sales for 38 years. He was well respected by all of his colleagues and stayed in touch with many of them over the years. Jay loved his golf and was a member of the Lakewood Country Club in Dallas, where he played for many years with the same foursome. He was a wonderful, self-taught cook and could make anything for his family. He loved entertaining and he and Helen did that a lot for their friends and family. Jay and Helen loved to travel and enjoyed many trips during their lifetime with friends and family. He loved his family more than anything. Family was everything to him and Helen. Holidays were always a blow-out of food and festivities and friends. He will be remembered as a wonderful Father and Grandfather and an amazing chef. His laugh was contagious and he always made others feel special. He is survived by his children, Geralyn Neely and her husband, Byron; John Ambrose; and Patricia Houlihan and her husband, Patrick; grandchildren, Melina and Joe Neely; Cara and Ryan Engels; Jessica and Kevin Houlihan; Katy and Barney Cockburn; and Megan Ambrose; brother, Nick DellaFave and his wife, Ann; sister, Annette DellaFave; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents when he was a small child; his wife, Helen Younger Ambrose; two brothers, Michael and Frank; and three sisters: Rose, Florence and Katy. Viewing was held on Sunday, April 23, 2017 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home. Funeral Services were held at St. James Episcopal Church, 156 N. Monroe St. in La Grange, at 3 p.m. on Monday, April 24, 2017. Entombment will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, April 28, 2017 at Calvary Hill Cemetery in Dallas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Brazos Valley, St. James Episcopal Church or a charity of one’s choice. The family would like to thank Hospice Brazos Valley for their excellent care during this last month. Their tender, compassionate care was something we will all remember. Anna Garamillo and Brinda Cruz, there are no words to thank you for your love and care of Jay. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com.  Koenig & Strickland Funeral Home in La Grange was is in charge of arrangements.