Jay Marshall Obituary

Another year has gone by. But my memories of Jay are as fresh and as clear as though it was yesterday, standing in Magic inc watching Francis scurrying to a back room to get rope scissors Jay said were the best. I´ve used them for over 35 years. Thank you Jay

Jay was there when I stepped foot in the magic arena. I had no idea who Jay was, It was at the Desert Magic Seminar 1986, I took fourth place for complete conjuror. The following year I took second place for magic and comedy. Over the rest of his life we were friends. Visiting his shop. Performing at conventions, When ever we met he had a joke or a story. Always invited me to hang out. He was always so supportive of myself and what I did. I know he enjoyed my wife Lori and she did he. I miss Jay so much. Love ya Jay

ONE OF THE BEST MAGICIAN AND PERSON THAT I MEET IN HIS MAGIC .

I'll never forget the times Jay visited us at Thurston's Palace of Mystery in Buffalo. He was always a "mischievous" gentleman and a joy to have as a guest. Add to this the fond memories of seeing him perform on Ed Sullivan on a 12" B&W TV as youngster and the many convention shows...it adds up to a lifetime of happy remembrances. Rest peacefully, trouper!!

Over the years at our conventions, Jay would always be an honored guest. As entertainers we would marvel at the gift Jay had for comedy and timing, two of the most dificult commodities in entertainment.He was very unique in that he was the most approachable 'celebrity. Jay was at ease in any situation. One day back in the late 70's at a convention conference room, he took a nap on the floor with his back against the wall. It's a great photo of a wonderful man. I've still got one of the newspaper trees he made during a show and I cherish that bit of Jay memorabilia. Jay, we will all miss you more than you know. Buzz Fleischman

Betty and I will always remember the first time we saw Jay and Lefty...and the many times after that at IBM and Pacific Coast Assoc. conventions. A great talent..a truly nice guy...and he will be remembered....as he remembered so many of us by name.

How I miss this man! He and I and two other friends would meet often for lunch where we would talk of magic and history, financial investments and the world's problems and solutions. His advice was always of help. He never had an unkind word. We all shared many a laugh, especially from Jay's jokes and stories. Fun times.

Thank you Jay. Be happy.

,

A great showman is gone, and I know if my parents, magicians Clettis and Evelyn Musson were still here, they would express the same. I grew up with "Lefty" and as a past International President of MAGIGALS,Inc. enjoyed performances at the Magic conventions and home base at Magic Inc. Jay and Francis were true family friends. Both are missed. We wave our wands "Goodbye".

To the Marshall Family:

Thanks for sharing your father and mother with us. They touched so many lives and are loved by many. I will MISS Jay's plaid coat, his bouncing the dinner roll off of the floor, his sharpening a knife on the edge of a plate as if it were a grinding stone, hearing Lefty sing "If I Had My Way Dear", his encyclopedic mind on magic and show business, his humbleness after being one of the truly great performers of the last century, him being one of The Better Cheaper Acts, his occassional spur of the moment tears, his flawless timing and delivery, that mellow voice telling an impromptu joke, his Good Eye for magic, his eternal sense of humor, and that smile.

Jay,

Though we never met in person, I was influenced through seeing you on video and reading the stories written about you.

The times we spoke were when I needed to order something from the shop and you were always so kind and so willing to offer advice and opinions to help out a young performer.



I'll never forget you...maybe one day we'll talk more when all who've gone, are here and will go after play together on that great eternal stage.

Jay,



I only met you once,However you made anyone whoever met you feel like a life-long friend.



I grew up in an often unhappy home, but I have great memories of my family watching you on Ed Sullivan. While laughter was a rare commodity at home, I remember our family laughing together at you and "Lefty". For these great memories, I thank you Jay.

I knew Jay Marshall for over 30 years. Magic Inc. was near my Grandparents home, so the shop was a magnet to me. The Junior Magicians Circle at that time cultivated many professional magicians. My first television appearances were courtesy of Jay and Frances. I learned from him, worked with him, and even roasted him. He was so well read, it was rare to tell him a joke that he did not already know. We opened for the same acts. With a difference of 3 decades passing by. We had a mutual friend in Bob Lund. Two people I could talk to. Good News or Bad News. That's Gone.Days before his death, in his hospital bed, I asked Jay if there was anything he needed. He still went for the joke responding, "Money!". Seeing hundreds of people in the same business attend a wake is so unusual. I believe that you will know what you have been doing with your life by who is there when you fall.In an age of computers and lack of personal contact, this passing of Jay Marshall may be one of a kind. In his last months of life, he was still attending the conventions, and would perform! The Chicago Sun Times gave Jay Marshall a Half page write up on page 2, covering his funeral. Now Who get's that?

A salute to a true pioneer of modern magic. Your influence and talent shall be missed.

Magic has lost a treasure. The first time I met Jay and saw him perform Lefty was at the 1972 IBM Convention in Buffalo, NY. One night a group went to a bar called Fechters and I tagged along. The most memorable event that night was Jay improvising a performance of Lefty with a borrowed golf glove while standing on top of the main bar. My last visit with Jay was at the 2004 IBM Convention in Cleveland where he posed for a great photo with Mr. Electric and myself in the hotel lobby. Thank you Jay for so many fine memories, for your advice and help and for the many laughs you gave me during the 32 years I knew you. My condolences to the Marshall family.

On behalf of the members of The International Brotherhood of Magicians Ring 244 -



We express our deepest sympathy on the passing of Jay Marshall

A fond farewell to a great performer and more importantly a gentle soul. We wish you and Francis a happy reunion.

Magic has lost one of the great ones. Jay Marshall's contributions to the art of magic will never be forgotten.

It's not often that you get to meet a legend. Jay was certainly one. I was introduced to Jay during the Midwest Magic Jubilee in St Louis. He always was very giving of his time and knowledge to everyone that he talked with. Jay will be missed by all who knew him. Rest in Peace Jay.

I do not know personally Jay, but I have appreciated his works, I think to be is friends in Magic.

TONY BINARELLI

Good bye to a Great Magician...

I will always remember Jay's giving and teaching nature at the Young Magicians Workshop at the IBM Convention. As my son learned from Jay, I sat in wonder just seeing him close to the Dean!

Thank you!

I'm just glad that I had a chance to know a living legend in magic. Jay was always a special friend of mine .. always with a joke or a bit of advise. Jay opened many doors for me .. and got me in a bit of trouble here and there too. Still to this day, I remember him telling me to hold the pose at the end of the Linking Rings .. and I do.



He lived an amazing life .. who could ask for anything more. Rest in peace my friend.

Jay was both a friend and an inspiration. He helped me so many times over the years with advice, help, lines and more. His loss is truly the end of an era. I shall miss him greatly - he was, without doubt, one of the very best. I'll look forward to meeting him for a pint or two in the great bar in the sky when I finally "pop my clogs" - no doubt he'll have a whole new collection of jokes to share when that happens!

Anyone starting in showbusiness should study the phenomenal work of Jay Marshall. His contributions to magic are legendary. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

Jay's passing was a great loss to us all. His depth of knowledge of such a wide range of fields in the profession, his sense of humor, his generosity, his seemingly endless supply of stories about the greats, nearly greats and not-so-greats always taught something and almost always had a wonderful punchline as well.



He went out as he should have - to a standing ovation from his friends and family. No performer can ask for more, but Jay had so much more - the love and respect of so many, worldwide.



It was one incredible run, Jay! And I am willing to bet that you are again, second to closing (the star spot, of course), up there, with Dorny, Don, Jack Pyle, Frank Sinatra, Don Alan, and so many others.



Break a leg!

May peace and comfort find it's way to Jay's family through their time of great loss. The magic community shares in your grief, we have lost a treasured hero. Your dad (and grandfather) was such a joy to be around. He was a talented, kind and funny man and an influence upon magicians everywhere. Meeting him was an honor and a memory I will treasure, always.

The magic he created in this world will stay forever. May you be comforted knowing how many lives Jay Marshall truely touched.

Sincerely,

Jay, you will be missed. You spent time with my son and me in New York. You treated us like family, and that is how we will miss you. Rest in Peace. Bill

Thanks for everything: Lefty, Table Crap, the Collectors, and all the books...

Thank you, Jay, for the many years of friendship that you gave Esther and I, and the great time as our host at Lake Tahoe back in '73.

Jay Marshall was a generous, talented, funny, knowldgable man. He was an inspiration to thousands of magicians, myself included. His writings for Magic, Inc. and for the magic magazine Magicol were filled with the details of history that are only possible when you've lived them.



I met him only once, at the performance he gave several years ago at New York's Monday Night Magic so that his grandchildren could "see what the old man was about," and I treasure that moment.



Matthew Field, Editor of The Magic Circular and magic book editor

From the days of Ed Sullivan until now, we thank Jay for coming into our home and mostly into our hearts. Our time spent with Jay has been a blessing to us.

Jay didn't know me well but i felt i knew him. He was without a doubt one of the greatest entertainers of our time and one of the most quick witted people i have ever met. I was one of those who could recite lefty's routine word for word but still leaped to my feet after each performance (along with everyone else). I just spent some time playing blackjack with him in vegas at the collectors convention a few weeks ago. I am glad i got that time. I will miss him.

Thank you, Jay, for the many years of friendship that you gave Sam and I.

Ask yourself, "How many living legends do you get to know in the course of a lifetime?" Most people, if they answer honestly, will say, "None." I was very lucky, I must say, for it was both a tremendous honor and a privilege to be able to call Jay a good friend. Of all the hundreds of performers I've known over the past forty years, be it Broadway, Hollywood or London -- none have ever come close to the brilliant knack of retelling such fascinating and hilarious tales from the wacky world of show business, like Jay Marshall. Damn. I miss you already, Jay. Thanks for everything. Rest in peace.

I met Jay the first time at Magic Inc. when I was 6, I am sad to say that I did not get to talk to him again until the SAM convention in Las Vegas. That was a long forty years. Jay will be missed by all that knew him, and many that have not discovered what an incredible man he truly was. Gods speed to you and Lefty.

"Now the Heavens will sit in amazement while Jay performs for the Angels".

May God Bless and Keep you close during your time of need.

Our Prayers are with you and your family.

Jay Marshall was a fantastic entertainer who will be greatly missed. I saw him perform at many conventions and my uncle always talked very highly of him. He was very nice and funny when talking with him. He will be missed.

I met Jay at several conventions, as well as when he came into the St. Louis office. He had the greatest sense of humor. He told me once how old he was and I said" WOW you look great for you age." He said "you could have stopped before "FOR YOUR AGE." I loved when he did Lefty and I will miss Jay and his wonderful hand puppet. God bless you Jay. Darleen Eads, Executive Secretary, International Brotherhood of Magicians.

Jay, thank you for providing so many wonderful and magical moments for us – and for the very special moment that you and Lefty gave us on our wedding day.



We had scheduled our wedding for the Saturday afternoon prior to Thanksgiving – the same day on which the Assembly No. 8 Fall Festival of Magic Show was to be held. I guess we felt it completely normal to attend the evening magic show prior to leaving on our honeymoon. We were thrilled that you and Frances were in town to attend our wedding. And then later, when we arrived at the theater, Fr. Paul Zipfel, the master of ceremonies, introduced us to the audience and announced that we had just been married. Later in the show you and Lefty appeared and, during your conversation with Lefty, Lefty looked at you, looked at the audience, and then stated, “I wonder if Harry and Trudy are still here.” Not only were we still there, you gave us a truly special and memorable moment that we have always cherished.



Thank you for having been such a good friend and for having provided so many wonderful memories for us. We love you; our hearts are filled with fond memories and we will remember you always.

Jay was a mentor to our son, Eric, when he turned to magic when recovering from a serious illness. We spent hours in his shop. Eric in lessons and behind the counter, me in the “mom” seat up front. Eric moved away from magic in his teens, but we’ll never forget that world and the kindness from Jay and his shop. Jay even attended one of Eric’s shows. Thanks for changing our world, Jay.

I've had many opportunities over the past thirty years to see Jay perform. Yet each performance was as refreshing and funny as the first time I saw him at an IBM convention in Orlando. Several years ago, I was fortunate in being able to have my sons see Jay perform with Lefty. They of course loved it.

Jay challenged performers and showed how one can entertain with magic & ventriloquism, still maintain a clean show, and "wow" the audience.

May the Lord richly bless Jay & Frances's family with the peace and joy they brought to thousands of others throughout the world.

Jay you will be truly missed by everyone.Sadly, there will never be another Jay. I feel so priviledged to have known you and to have seen you and Lefty on so many occasions. I hope, soon, someone will come out with a copy of you and lefty so I can fondly see you again.

I was saddened to hear of Jay's demise. Being the son of a former Vaudeville headliner Although I never met Jay, I felt a personal sense of loss in reading the many articles written about him. I know that his and my Dad's paths must have crossed in those golden days. I hope that now they will cross once again. "All the world's a stage . . ."

Jay, I can hardly beleive that you have left us. From our first meeting in Melbourne when you performed on "In Melbourne Tonight" way back in the early 60's, to staying with you and Frances in Chicago, and visiting the nightspots with you in the 70's and meeting up with you in the UK in the 80's and the final time at the IBM and SAM conventions in the late 90's and flying back from New Orleans to New York with you. You then went home to Chicago, and I went back to Australia, never with any thought that it was the last time we would see you. For June and I it is a sad ending to a 40 years friendship. You will never be forgotten here, down under.

June & Keith Lawrence.

Melbourne, Australia.

Here are a couple of photos for memory
With love
Merrill

I remember the first time I met Jay back in 1987. It was my first trip to Magic Inc. as a 7 year old kid recently bit by the magic bug. I learned about Jay from my father. I will never forget the great stories Jay had to share, his wonderful advice about the magic industry, and how much of an inspriration he was to me.



To a legend...your graciousness was seen and felt around the world. Rest in peace Jay.

Thank you Jay for all the lafter.What a person.I will always remember the times.

He was not "one of the better cheaper acts". He was, in every price range, simply the best.

I met you in 1976 and was impressed. I have met and been impressed many times since. You will be missed even from as far away as here in Australia. There will never be another Jay or another Lefty. My condolences to the family.

As important as Jay was to the magic world and the entertainment world at large, I will always honor Jay's memory not only for his tremendous talent and encyclopedic knowledge of magic history... but also for making ME feel important, despite my being only a casual acquaintance.



Jay loved all magic and all magicians. It is no wonder that we love him in return.

To the Family of Jay Marshall,



I never had the pleasure of meeting Jay in person. However I feel that I knew him. I saw him on Bozo many times and he was one on the first magicians I wanted to be. The world has lost a bit of it luster at his passing.



Our Families prayers are with you,

Phil Spitz

I was proud to have known Jay and want to join so many others in prayers for his family.

I met Jay in the late 50's. He would always attend the Mazda club meetings in Oak Park, IL. One day he asked if I was going to the Tannen convention in NY. Since I was a college student without much money, I said no. He then asked if I would like to go with him since he was driving to the convention. Of course I accepted, and I'll never forget the fun trip. His son, Sandy, returned with us from NY to Chicago and for the next few years we had lively club meetings with both Marshalls in attendance.

Jay was a great magician and a wonderful person. He's the reason that I'm still in magic.

We will all miss you Jay!

Jay was an inspiration to all who knew him, not only because of his marvellous ability on stage, but also because of his goodness of character and sense of humor. The entertainment industry, and the people whose lives he touched will be forever richer for his presence.



Thank you, Jay, for the gift of your life.

Jay's generosity included serving as an anonymous resource for a column I wrote for some years. (Just played some slots together after the Collectors' in Vegas.)

Condolences to his family.

The world will be a bit less amazing and a bit less amusing because you are no longer with us. Still we are grateful for all you gave us for so many years. Thank you, Jay, for your contribution to joy. May your memory endure forever.



.

Jay...Though it was a little over 50 years ago when I first saw you at 'Bimbo's 365 Club' in San Francisco, I can never forget the delight I felt seeing you...Unique, inspiring:I can never forget you.

I loved it when I saw Jay Marshall do magic at shows. He was a great magician.

We met Jay the 1st time in the mid 70"s. What a wonderful evening we had after the show at Sambo's Restaurant in Lafayette, Indiana. You were non-stop stories and magic.

Another great moment to me, was when you asked to borrow my shirt to emcee at Abbott's. Then, on 8-13-03, you autographed a prize possession of mine, which was a Desert Inn dinner menu dated 9-13-1951, when you were playing on the same bill as Frank Sinatra in Las Vegas. You wrote 51 years and 11 months later. You also told me the story of the cufflinks of Sinatra for the umpteenth time, which I never tired of hearing.

Jay, we will miss you.

Richard & Nancy Greeno

Jay,

Who would have ever thought that Magicians the world over would some dayrealize that the song, "If I had My Way" would go from bringing applause and laughter to bringing tears and sadness. Thank you for being a part of our lives that will remain with Magic forever.

I will always remember Jay Marshall my friend. I came along after his hay day in show business. But was able to see tapes of his performances from television and many magic conventions. A new kid on the block when we first met in 1986 he showed me all the kindness and support of a true professional. I have so many great memories of my time with Jay. As does anyone who got to be in his presence.

To Jay's family I pray that God comforts your heart's and that you will rejoice in all that he ment to so many people. His memory will live on with the legends

To the Marshall Family:



I owe Jay so much. He was an actor and magician who was for me a connection to a time in the American theatre that I loved and longed for but which had ended even before I was born. He was a real pro and so appreciative of the theatre and its traditions.



The first time I saw him perform in person was at the Ivanhoe Theatre in Chicago at a cast party for a play we were doing called "Status Quo Vadis." The theatre was giving a dinner party to celebrate our 100th performance and Jay was hired as the after dinner entertainment. He was wonderful! He fooled us, he made us laugh, he touched us.



For me, as a young actor (who passionately wanted to be a magician) he set the standard: know your business, get better, give more -- to the audience, the craft and the theatre.



Jasper, I am forever grateful. See you down the road.



My best wishes you all.

Jay will always be remembered as a kind and soft spoken individual. He did several seminars for our PACC organization over the years with Bob Brown and totally amazed everyone. He will be greatly missed.

You were always a star in my book.



From my early days in Chicago and your appearances on Bozo's Circus; the wonder-filled times at your store; and the personalized attention you gave to all of us "wanna-be's" at conventions and gatherings.



Now you're a star in the heavens and a fond memory in our hearts.



Thanks, Jay.

How thankful I am to have Jay as a friend for over 60 years. All the photos I have of him will always remind me of the wonderful occasions when we were together.

Rest well, good friend. See you soon.

Jay.....Thank you so much for everything you have done for me. You helped me in my life in magic and as a performer. Most of all, thank you for being the dear friend that you were. I know that you are now with a great goup of people in the Heavenly Rings, Assemblies and of course, the III Sheeters. Suzy and myself will miss you and always keep you in ours hearts. Don't give the higher ups to much of a hard time.

Robbie Levensbaum

Past President - III Sheeters

THANKS TO JAY AND FRANCES FOR BEING GOOD FRIENDS THE PAST 45 YEARS.

I've known Jay for many enjoyable years.He saved my life while on a boat trip on Palmer Lake in Colon Michigan! We will miss you for ever

Edna will miss your jokes.

Till we meet again,Max&Edna Scott

Jay was always very generous with advice and facinating answers to vaudville historical questions.I have fond memories of our discussions of magic production numbers and "The Banana Man". He was a fountain of information...most of it first hand. He'll be missed by all.

You gave so much to others and now you will reap the rewards. Every night a Standing O but, then again you got that many times here on earth.

You know that must be one heck of a showroom up there.

Break-A-leg

Irwin Royes

World's Smallest Magician

Thanks and may God Bless

The Dean of Magic, has passed on but we were lucky to have had as much time with him as we have had over these many years, he was always funny to the end and we always enjoyed him and Lefty, a mainstay that will live in our hearts forever, for those of us who were lucky enough to get to know him, his knowledge, his wit and his spirit will live on through memories of our time with him...... We will miss him and our prayers go to his family and all of us who are saddened at this time with this great loss to the Magic Community......

Jay and Frances were both wonderful people and an important influence in my life as a youngster just learning about Magic.



That's the true test of the worth of one's brief existence; the positive impact you've had upon others.



Jay and Frances impacted an untold amount of lives and we've all benefitted from knowing each of them.



Have fun, Jay!

Jay gave more to this world than he took. He will be remembered by many for years.

Many times I hoped to meet Jay as I had heard and read many great things about him from friends and loved ones. Though I shall not meet him in this life time I look forward to meeting him in eternity. I hope he brings Lefty.

God Bless

Jay was an inspiration to my family and me when we first met 20+ years ago and still is. We will miss his incredible magic presence, zany wit, and worldly insight pertaining to current affairs. The world has truly lost one of the greats to say the least.

A legend in magic is gone. I'll miss you Jay.

My many happy magical memories of Jay include various conventions over the years, my one trip to Magic Inc. in Chicago, times in Colon, and the Stewart James Get-to-Gethers in Courtright Ontario, where a limited invited few gathered each year with special guests to share interests in things magical.



Jay was one of us and loved by all.



We extend our deepest sympathy to the family.

All the accolades about Jay are true and deserving. He will be missed.

Thank you Jay for being one of my favorite mentors in Magic Collecting.

You will be sorely missed by all of us, but your stories, anecdotes and knowledge will remain with us.

Till we see again...

My time with Jay was confined to various "Conference on Magic History" events over the years, where I helped stage manage the lectures and shows. Jay was not only always great to work with, but was the one person we knew we could use in an emergency (and we did). My fondest memory was Jay intervewing Carl Ballentine as part of one of the shows. They had nothing planned, they just went out and ad-libbed. It was much more than a treat, it was pure magic, with no tricks involved. Needless to say, Jay will be missed by all.

I first met Jay at the Cleveland, Ohio IBM Convention in 1963. I had the privilege of introducing him for close-up. I met him many times after that at the shop and at the Winter Carnival of Magic in Tennessee. He will be greatly missed as will "Lefty". Bye, Jay

We will be celebrating your life for many years.Thanks for setting the goal.

what a privilege to know him and work with him. at 80 at the houdini convention in a nearly pitch black back stage i squint and see he is folding a newspaper on a suitcase for a trick. 2 years ago in colon he makes us cry. after his act he says he is done, sobs a little, then breaks a little...he fooled us, he'll be back next year. i already miss him. i will always work to uphold what he did so well, entertain. my deep sympathy to his family.

I spent some brief but quality times with Jay when he was over here the last few times, (once to receive a top award at The Magic Circle banquet). He was a man who did not suffer fools gladly but was kindness itself to those with a genuine interest.



We have lost an icon and must treasure those that remain.



My thoughts are with Jay's family at this difficult time.

one of the best entertainers our art has ever seen is gone ... Jay was a link to an earlier era while still holding his own with today's performers ... I will never forget that pizza we split in Chicago ... Jay and Lefty will live forever in the memories of thousands of people ...

It is with deep sadness that the J.Marberger Stuart Foundation mourns the loss of our friend and advisor, Dean of Magic, Jay Marshall. Jay's advice was instrumental in forming the DRAGON AWARD and his continued support was invaluable. Magic has lost a true artist.



Sincerely,

Jane R. Stuart, President

For Jay

Quite simply, irreplaceable!

Jay, your fame reached across the world, even to our small country.

My condolences to your family.

The Magic World will never be the same without 'one of the better cheaper acts' Thank you Jay for the many laughs. It was an honour to have known you.

'Just Sing the Song'

As a young man I spent many happy hours hanging around Magic Inc. spellbound by Jay. He was my first introduction to the world of magic and an early role model in my life. I shall miss his jokes!

Robert Allen

For the good times in London, Brighton, Chicago, Las Vegas, and bookshops everywhere. Have a rest, Jay, you surely earned it

May God Bless and Comfort Jay's family and friends.

Iv'e only known Jay for a short

period of time,about 40 years.

His humor,was dry but funny.I for one will miss him.Be well where ever you are.

I only knew Jay through magic conventions. One time when I was having my picture taken with him, I kissed him on the cheek. He then turned his face where I wasn't kissing his cheek. Everyone told me that was "classic Jay." I considered it an honor to meet him even if it was only at magic conventions. The world of magic has truly lost one of its 'greats.' He shall be missed, but will never be forgotten.