James L. Brightbill

James L. Brightbill Jr., age 67, entered peacefully into eternity on September 14, 2024. Jay, as he was affectionately called by family and friends, was born on January 8, 1957, in Mansfield, OH to James and S. Annie (Stahl) Brightbill.

Jay graduated from Marlington High School before choosing to attend Kent State University, then later entering the dental field as a business owner. Many of his children's memories of him take place in the dental lab. Glasses on, bent over a workbench, carefully crafting crowns until he felt confident he could move on to the next case. He loved what he did and that he could give it away.

Jay loved his children, Ashley (Joel), Colton (Sonia), Clayton (Alexis), and Cutler (Angel), and his grandchildren (Haven, Barrett, Navy, Willow, Oak, Easton, Liam). His children knew the love of their father full well, as did anyone who would bend an ear his way. Jay carried a deep understanding of the undeserved love of his Heavenly Father and to the best of his ability, modeled it as a father to his kids. Though he would be quick to bring up his faults and struggles to his kids, those things are far outweighed by the legacy of humility, kindness, and love that he generously poured out over them their entire lives.

Jay had a way of seeing great potential in what some viewed as ordinary. It was also true of people. He never knew a stranger and loved to share a meal. At heart, he was creative - gifted artistically. When he wasn't at a dental bench he was often found at another workbench carving wood or tying flies for fishing. Fishing was a passion he shared with his boys. When he wasn't actively engaging in one of his hobbies, he could be found reading about them, eager to sharpen his skillset.

Jay was preceded in death by his father, James. Those left to cherish his memory are his children and grandchildren; his mother, S. Annie, whom he frequently honored as a pillar of strength in his life; his brother, Tim, whom he loved deeply and would say so; sisters, Beth (Mark) and Melissa (Paul) whose kindness and care he was so grateful for; and many extended family members who he cherished and considered his closest friends.

In one final conversation, Jay expressed his gratitude for the life he had received, knowing it was far beyond what he felt it deserved. He was grateful for sufficient grace and a love that always led him home.

A service will be held at Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home on Sunday, October 6th at 3:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior. Pastor Randy Gobely of Friends Church will officiate.