Jay St. John

Dr. Jay St. John, a beloved educator and community leader, passed away on March 24, 2026. Born February 27, 1948 and raised in Belvidere, Illinois, he was the son of Byron and Dorris St. John.

Jay married the love of his life, June, in 1968, and together they shared 58 wonderful years of marriage. He is survived by his sister, Judy Peterson of Rochester, NY; his sons, Jeff St. John (Sherri) of Queen Creek, AZ, and Justin St. John (Amy) of Sahuarita, AZ; his grandchildren, Justin Perry St. John (Molly) of Tucson, AZ, Madyson Lanni (Jake) of Austin, TX, Spencer St. John, and Conner St. John of Queen Creek, AZ; and two great-grandchildren, Miles St. John and Lucy St. John.

Jay earned his Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) from Northern Illinois University before relocating to Arizona to begin a distinguished career in education. For 35 years, he served as a school administrator, including as Assistant Superintendent and later Superintendent of the Sahuarita Unified School District (SUSD). Under his leadership during a period of unprecedented growth, the district’s student population doubled, three new schools were constructed, and three others were renovated. His dedication to education earned him the honor of being named Superintendent of the Year for Arizona in 2002 and induction into the SUSD Hall of Fame in 2019.

Beyond his professional achievements, Jay was an active member of the Green Valley Masonic Lodge, where he coordinated impactful programs such as Bikes for Books and scholarships for high school seniors. He also volunteered for 16 years at the White Elephant thrift shop and cherished weekly golf games with friends at Quail Creek.

Dr. Jay St. John’s legacy as an educator and community advocate will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to those he leaves behind.

Celebration of Life - April 18, 2026 10:00am

Sahuarita School District Auditorium

350 Sahuarita Rd.

Sahuarita, AZ 85629

Please join us for light hors d’oeuvres in the cafeteria following the celebration.