James Henry "Jay" Horth III, of North Mountain Road in Dalton died suddenly at his home Sunday, September 1, 2013. Born on June 16, 1952 in Pittsfield, he was a son of the late Jim and Grace Potts Horth. Jay was educated in Dalton schools and was a 1970 graduate of St. John's Prep of Danvers. He later received a bachelor's degree from North Carolina State in 1974 and then a Master's Degree from Western New England College in 1988. Jay went on to work for Bay State Elevator Company, the family business, for thirty-seven years where he served as president.
Jay was the consummate family man. He married the love of his life, Deborah Bianchi, on October 10th, 1975. Together they raised three beautiful children; Alison (32) of Dalton, MA; Bradley (27) of Boston, MA; and Lauren (24) of Boston, MA. Along with his loving children Jay leaves behind his best friend, the Boo-Bear. Family was everything to Jay, from Sunday morning breakfasts and eight o'clock Mass, to car rides (with the occasional "short cut"), and sporting events.
Coach Jay, as he was known by so many, had a passion for coaching and providing guidance and support for young men and women. He was a member of the St. Joseph Central High School Football Coaching staff for eighteen years and during those years he helped lead the Crusaders to four total Super Bowls, winning two. Jay also had a love for flying planes. He had a pilot's license with the dream of one day owning his own plane. He had an everlasting love for helping people and bettering the lives of all those he knew. He was "the man behind the scenes" touching more lives than anyone will truly know. Jay was a communicant of St. Agnes Church and a member of the Elevator Contractors Association and the St. Joseph Central High School Booster Club.
He was very active in Dalton Youth Football for many years and was the co-founder of the CYC Saints Youth Football Program. He also served as a coach in Dalton Little League and the CYC Girls Basketball Program for many years. He was also a recipient of the prestigious CYC Volunteer of the Year Award.
Jay is predeceased by his son, James Henry "Jimmy" Horth IV, and his parents, Grace and Jim Horth. He is survived by his wife, Debbie, two daughters, Alison and Lauren, his son Brad, his brothers, Peter M. Horth and his wife Louisa of Dalton and David M. Horth and his wife Beth of Boston. Jay also leaves his mother-in-law; Connie Bianchi, many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, and an extended family too long to list.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A Liturgy of Christian Burial for James H. "Jay" Horth III of Dalton who died September 1, 2013 will be held Wednesday at 11:00 AM at St. Agnes Church in Dalton celebrated by the Rev. Christopher Malatesta, pastor. Burial will follow in Ashuelot Cemetery. There are no calling hours. Memorial donations in memory of "Jay" may be made to the James H. Horth III Scholarship Fund to provide tuition assistance to students who attend St. Joseph Central High School or St. Agnes Academy both in care of the DERY-FOLEY FUNERAL HOME, 890 Main St. Dalton, MA 01226 which is in charge of arrangements.

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