SHELBURNE — John “Jay” Tressler Flickinger, 72, of Shelburne, Vt., passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, after a long illness, surrounded by loving family and friends. Jay was born to John and Jacqueline Flickinger on March 4, 1950, in Decatur, Ind.

John “Jay” Tressler Flickinger

Jay graduated from Middlebury Union High School in 1968, where he was a member of the National Honor Society. After graduating from Middlebury College with the Class of 1972 as an Economics major, Jay received his M.B.A. from the Johnson School of Business at Cornell University. He had a successful career as a vice president at Citibank in New York City and Rochester, N.Y., before finishing his banking career at the National Bank of Middlebury.

Jay and his wife Cally raised their family in Shelburne, Vt. He was married to Cally for more than 40 years, and they were very blessed to have each other. Jay’s family meant everything to him.

Jay was a talented athlete who loved being outdoors, being active and competing in sports. He played on undefeated football teams in both high school and college, and also played high school basketball and college lacrosse. Jay was an avid skier who also enjoyed running and hunting with his brother and father. Later in life he embraced adaptive skiing and biking and spent as much time outdoors as he could.

Jay had a passion for giving back to others and to the community. The Shelburne United Methodist Church was a vital and integral part of his everyday life. He spent many hours volunteering for the church, Habitat for Humanity, Emergency Medical Service in Middlebury, Salvation Army, and Shelburne Rescue.

Jay’s endless optimism, gentle kindness, and infectious smile lit up every room and brought joy to everyone he met. He embraced life’s simple moments and delighted in time with his family and friends, taking much pride in everything they accomplished. Jay’s life was affected by multiple sclerosis, diagnosed in his 30s, and later by cancer. Jay’s love, grace, dignity and humility will be missed and forever remembered. Jay taught all of us how to live life filled with much love and joy.

Jay is survived by his beloved wife, Cally, and their two daughters. Sarah and Kristina (Daryl Dudley); three grandchildren, Isaac, Zara and Eden; sisters Barbara Flickinger (Kim Christiansen) and Nancy Flickinger (Jim Witkin); sister-in-law Caryl Flickinger; and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his older brother, Robert “Bob” Flickinger, and his parents.

A memorial service was held on Feb. 11 at the Shelburne United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports or the Shelburne United Methodist Church in Jay’s name. ◊