A life well-lived

As Jay Rohr wrapped up a successful career in commercial real estate, he sensed God calling him to volunteer – but where? The answer came when Jay’s home church, All Saints Episcopal Church, connected with Jobs Partnership. For the past 12 years, Jay has shared his wisdom and friendship by serving as a volunteer coach to participants in JP’s LifeWorks training course.

Unexpectedly, fall 2022 turned out to be Jay’s final semester as a coach. In April, Jay was diagnosed with brain cancer and told he would live just a few more months. Jay has faced his diagnosis head-on, including by donating his business wardrobe to JP soon after receiving his diagnosis. The suits, shirts and ties help JP provide LifeWorks participants with a custom-tailored interview outfit.

We are honored that Jay and his wife Carole made time to meet with JP president Marc Stanakis on July 6 to talk about Jay’s experiences as a LifeWorks coach and, more important, his confidence that he will spend eternity in the presence of the God he has served.

Serving as a LifeWorks coach is demanding but rewarding. Jay says his decades of business experience equipped him to coach people who want to move from unemployment or low-wage jobs to career-path opportunities. Although it’s not required, Jay connected with many participants outside class. He called them between weekly sessions, met for lunch to prompt deeper conversation, and stayed in touch after graduation. Last year, Jay and Carole invited a graduate, Matthew, to stay with them the night before Matthew left Orlando to pursue a job in another state.

Jay says LifeWorks blessed him as well. His faith grew as he listened to the biblically based lectures that are part of each weekly session.

During his conversation with Marc, Jay talked about the future with emotion but confidence. “God spoke directly to me,” he says, “and he said it’s time to come home.”