Jay Brandt Story

56, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2021, while under care at Big Bend Hospice in Tallahassee, FL. Brandt was born on August 16, 1964, in Jacksonville, FL. He attended Lincoln High School in Tallahassee, FL, and graduated from Florida State University in Dec. 1996 with a Bach. Of Science in Interdisciplinary Social Science. He continued with graduate studies in Urban & Regional Planning. 

Brandt was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, where he specialized as an Avionics Technician, and was recognized for outstanding performance as a top graduate in the Aviation Electrician “A” School. He was a one-time recipient of the Letter of Commendation and two-time recipient of the Letter of Appreciation. Brandt served during the Gulf War, charged with training and supervising a team of 15 or more technicians per shift. Brandt was the first-call “go to” guy to fix helicopters during his military service. He was honorably discharged as a Corporal on November 25, 1991, having voluntarily served 5 years.  

Following his stint in the military, Brandt worked in a variety of fields, most notably as a Superintendent and Projects Supervisor for O’Brien/Silvestri Construction in Tallahassee, FL. He also worked as an independent Rural Route Mail Carrier for the US Post Office for 7 years. 

Brandt loved to shoot pool, enjoying the company of his friends at his local bar “Bottoms Up”. He was an avid fisherman and small craft operator, enthusiastic FSU Seminoles Football supporter, talented home chef, and green-thumb gardener. He successfully raised tomatoes and various herbs at his home. He also loved all animals, especially his cat “Mittens”. 

Brandt is survived by his parents, Jimmy and Carolyn Story of Live Oak, FL; his sister Audra of Lake Park, GA; his two nieces; and his fiancée & partner for 15 years, Nancy Cargell of Tallahassee, FL. 

A service will be held at Tallahassee National Cemetery on June 18, 2021 at 11:00am. Attendees must arrive no later than 10:30am to be escorted to the service pavilion. His interment at the Tallahassee National Cemetery will immediately follow.