Obituary of Jeshua (Jess) Bryant BRAY

January 31, 1992 – Kamloops, British Columbia

February 9, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Jeshua (Jess) Bryant Bray of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully with family by his side, on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at the young age of 29 years.

Jess was born in Kamloops, British Columbia, on January 31, 1992

He moved to Calgary, Alberta in 2003 and knew he was home.

Jess graduated from the University of Calgary with a degree in Bachelor of Commerce in 2015. He continued his education at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, receiving his Law Degree in 2018. Jess’ hard work and dedication paid off when he got called to the Bar on September 5, 2019.

He was a member of the Law Society of Alberta and enjoyed volunteering with Centennial Baseball Association as a Coach, he loved all the kids he played with. In his final years, he coached his law family to numerous championships wins in slo pitch from 2017-2020.

Jess’ drive and dedication started at an early age. In junior high he got his first job at Boston Pizza on 17th Ave. Through those high school years, he learned every aspect of the restaurant. This allowed him the ability to work and put himself through University. Jess spent his final years in the hospitality industry at  Crossirons Boston Pizza, where he had the opportunity to meet baseball legend Roberto Alamar. He worked a second job for a bit working with another childhood friend at the Airdrie, Canadian Brewhouse.  Jess accomplished much through his short life and was particularly proud of the hard work and dedication it took to receive his Law Degree and retaining his position at the prestigious law firm, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP in Calgary. Jess summered with the firm in 2017, articled, and was hired back into the Commercial Litigation group where his highly anticipated but often only semi HR-approved weekly polls and fun-loving attitude made him a popular addition.  Jess was well-loved at the firm. He was a regular fixture at extracurricular activities, very involved with all of their students, and considered himself to be the GM, coach, trainer, social coordinator and founding member of the Notorious BLG multi-sport franchise. Jess was known to be headstrong, some say stubborn, but it was that nature that drove him to his many accomplishments and achieve all the amazing things he did.

Jess  will be remembered by his family for his incredibly ambitious, fiercely independent and silently courageous being. He always made time for them. From a young age they saw his negotiation skills shine. No surprise when he decided to become a lawyer. This allowed grandma and grandpa to have Jess live with them while he attended law school in Kamloops. He was proud when he was given an award at school, to have his grandparents share that moment with him. Auntie April was Jess’ constant cheerleader throughout his life. Never missing an opportunity to celebrate with Jess. It started with her marriage to Uncle Troy as he was their ring bear, every graduation to holding his hand in his final days. Jess took his role of big brother to the next level. It started with instantly potty training himself so Teagan could use the diapers. He continued through their years together with Jess providing his input and opinions on everything his little brother did. Jess dropped everything to watch Teagan marry his soulmate Emily. The brotherly love showed most when he talked of Teagan becoming a father. Jess is now gently holding Kenzie watching Teagan hold Charlie. Jess wasn’t quite sure what to do when his baby sister arrived shortly after his 18th birthday. It took him over two weeks to finally hold Brylee. Once he did, he didn’t let go, it became their thing to have her big bro throw her in the air every time he saw her. Mom and Corey were just happy to be with him. They embraced the visits watching Jess eat, sleep, relax and having the occasional heated debate with Corey over their sport teams or political views. His presence at every holiday dinner will be forever cherished.

Jess’ passion was living life. He could never be described as “quiet”, “average”, “ordinary”, or “unassuming”. Jess had an incredible energy, this enviable superpower (you can’t call it anything else) for being able to bring his A game to absolutely every single moment of his life. He loved all sports! Playing them, watching them, managing both real life and ‘fantasy’ sports teams all kept him extremely busy on top of his social and work life. He could rally a team together like no other – an amazing leader. Jess was at the centre of many memories with his goofy antics, over the top celebrations, contagious laugh, and spirited/competitive nature. He was always the one to step up and organize intramural sports groups including softball, curling, and beach volleyball to name a few. Or just remind his friends that Tom Brady was the GOAT!! Early sports memories of him are Jess and his brother playing stick hockey in the basement. Or going to baseball games together where Jess would “coach” his brother. One that stands out is Jess going to his first skating lessons taught by a family friend with his brother and cousin. It ended with Jess getting a cast on his arm for six weeks.

Jess had many memorable vacations. Spending time with his family and grandparents in Puerto Vallarta and at Shuswap Lake. A trip of a lifetime granted by the Starlight Foundation brought Jess, his mom, brother and grandmother to Boston. Starting with a suite at the Boston Harbour Hotel, where he received 5-star treatment. They went from a Bruins hockey game. To meeting and watching (on the field) players warm up from the Red Sox later seeing them play against the Blue Jays. Finally, seeing his boy Brady’s Patriots play.

Jess continued with his love of travelling with his friends to Mexico a few times. Being known from the girls as the “Spanish Coffee Guy” was the indicator, the day of shenanigans was about to begin. Houseboating on the Shuswap was a favorite. Jess organized everything; the food, drinks, and entertainment. What he didn’t plan was for  2 brothers to jump off the houseboat while it was moving. Needless to say Captain Jess was not impressed…it was that story Jess referred to, to describe the guys and their fearless nature. Jess used his persuasiveness to convince his Chief’s fan buddy to open his wallet and plan a last minute trip to Kansas City to watch the Chiefs play the Patriots in early 2019. A game expected to be the coldest in NFL history. Jess’ wasn’t welcomed with Fireball like his friend was among the other Chief’s fans. He probably would’ve preferred being in Boston surrounded by Pats fans, but he embraced the ‘Jess-against-the world’ feeling of being in KC’s house as a Pats fan. He just repeated “You’ll see”. Brady didn’t disappoint. Jess celebrated his Call to the Bar with a trip back to Boston with his childhood buddy in September 2019. They watched the Red Sox play and the Patriots raise the Super Bowl banner. Another dream trip for Jess. Finally, can’t forget the stories he had from his ski trips to Sun Peaks! Jess didn’t ski much, instead he would stay behind with his co-prankster. They spent the mornings making games out of getting the place ready for that night's party, and when noon hit, jobs were done, they would hide Ices in the most creative spots throughout the condo for when the others would return.

Jess’ is known by many for two words “Let’s Goooo”. Usually used in relation to sports both watching and playing. It seemed those were words he lived by too. The other love Jess had was for music. From dancing and singing to Barbie Girl and any Spice Girls song in the carport with his brother and first “girlfriend” as a kid. To shamelessly singing at the top of his lungs, roof down in mom’s car, to Justin Timberlake. This continued in his adult years, he would be at concerts supplying the throat numbing spray so they could sing along until their throats were raw. Stampede was a favorite for Jess. It brought his favorite things together. Country music, good food, great friends! He was the first to grab a hand and head to the dance floor to two step to whatever song was playing. Music was always playing with Jess around, his favorites included Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Brett Young, Morgan Wallen to name only a few

Jess is survived by his mother Tana Bray, partner Corey Nault, from Edmonton grandparents Wendy and Brian Bray, from Kamloops B.C., brother Teagan Swain (Emily Swain) niece Charlie Grace from Owen Sound Ont. and sister Brylee Nault from Edmonton. Auntie April Wharton (Uncle Troy Wharton) cousins Aaron, Jared and Abby Wharton, from Swan Hills AB. We were Blessed with 29 years full of immense pride watching Jess grow from a babe in arms to the man he became, living his life to the fullest.

Jess’ family extended to  step siblings, Bryson Workman, Mark Nault (Maddie Laberge) their children Mason, Paige and Hunter Nault and Natalie Nault, her children Jaida, Emma, Jewel and Eva Robinson all from Edmonton.

Of course, we must include Jess’ fur babies (kittens) Sansa and Arya. They brought him so much love, laughter and joy in such a short time. He proudly announced he was a Cat Dad.

Jess is also survived by his chosen families; The Buckley’s, The Cowitz’s and the Hall’s. Childhood relationships he made the moment he moved to Calgary. These were some of the friends Jess credited for helping shape him into the man he became. In his University years he created another extended family with his classmates at TRU. They get credited for ensuring he strayed away long enough from his Fantasy leagues and socializing to help him achieve his lifelong dream of becoming a Lawyer. Finally, his relationship with those he worked with at BLG. Endless coffees/beers, late night talks and support to get through the long hours with humor and perseverance. Jess had the unique ability to create a bond with each circle, then intertwined them where they all became one massive family of love, support and strength for him. It should also be mentioned that Jess was loved by some who never even had the pleasure of meeting him. The network of people Jess surrounded himself with are many, many, many individuals and I wish they could all be named. Please know that he constantly felt your love, support and strength every moment.

Jess was predeceased by his precious niece Kenzie Faith Swain. His Great Uncle Jim and Great Auntie Carolyn.

Though sickness and fatigue cruelly stole Jess away from us, He never ONCE saw it steal his love of life, love of friends, love of his family, his cats, his sports pools, country music, or Tommy B. He just never said, "nah, I'm not up for it". It was always "I'm in" and "can we grab Starbs on the way?"

A heartful thanks to Dr. Storek (BMT Clinic at the Tom Baker), Dr. Chaudhry (Unit 57) and the numerous nurses and staff that took exceptional care of Jess through this journey. A special thank you to Rozlyn and Hilda for ensuring Jess and his family members wishes were always met above and beyond the requirements of their job.

Finally, to the Ebbels (Tim, John and Billy) family who opened up their home to Jess, his mom and family. We are forever grateful for the love, laughs and tears shared in the months we were there.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Where we can all celebrate the life that Jess led in true Jess style. Condolences, memories and photos are welcomed to be shared and viewed on Jeshua’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In loving memory of Jess, Borden Ladner Gervais LPP has set up the Jess Bray Memorial Fund. The family is eternally grateful for everyone at BLG and their unwavering love and support to not only Jess but his family. As proud as we are of Jess, he was equally proud to be apart of the family of BLGer’s. Thank you Matt, Mike, Alan and Anna and everyone involved with ensuring that Jess will live on.

Memorial tributes may be directed to the Jess Bray Memorial Fund online at Calgary Foundation. https://payment.csfm.com/donations/calgaryfoundation/?fund=BRAYJ

or by cheque payable to the Calgary Foundation with the Fund name in the memo line and mailed to: Suite 1180, 105 12 Avenue SE Calgary, AB T2G 1A1.

In living memory of Jeshua (Jess) Bray, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.