Image by Urvi Dalal from University Daily copies.
By: Urvi Dalal
A loving father of four.
A political activist.
A media personality.
A cartoonist.
Jay Leeson, West Texas leader and former Texas Tech graduate, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 28, at the age of 44.
Michael Leeson, his brother, reached out to Jay’s followers on Facebook saying “Jay battled a long-term illness that escalated in recent weeks. It was heartbreaking to see him suffer.”
Leeson found his passion in politics at a young age. Naming himself a “Prairie Populist,” Leeson pushed for policy changes that supported West Texas and West Texans.
He received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Texas Tech and a Master’s of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary.
“Jay was one of the best we had,” Director of Toreador Media Sheri Lewis said.
Lewis, a part-time advisor during the time Leeson was an editorial cartoonist for the Daily Toreador, said his work reflected that of Ben Sargent, a respected professional in the field.
Leeson used his voice to stand up for others.
“Jay was the most talented and courageous person I’ve known,” Michael Leeson added on Facebook. “He was not afraid to stand alone or to speak when others were silent.”
Adam Young, editor of the Lubbock-Avalanche Journal, first met Leeson during his time as a government reporter.
Young described Leeson as having “gravitas.” Leeson and Young exchanged numbers while on the government beat and it led to a great relationship between the two.
Leeson became a regular contributor for the Lubbock-Avalanche Journal working on political and sports cartoons, and opinion pieces.
As a prairie populist, Leeson was known to advocate for farmers or agriculture workers who may have been overlooked in local government.
Leeson was extremely passionate about politics but asking about his kids was the easiest way to pivot the conversation, Young said.
“He would brighten up” when talking about his kids, Young added.
Michael Leeson spoke highly of his brother’s commitment to his four kids.
“His love was loyal and unwavering,” Micheal Leeson said on Facebook.
In honor of Leeson’s memory, a celebration of life ceremony will be held at Sanders Funeral Home on Sunday, Oct. 22, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
About urvidalal
