Jay Merrill; Former High School Baseball Coach

Jay Dee Merrill, a retired Newbury Park High School baseball coach, died of a heart attack Thursday at his home in Las Vegas. He was 67.

He was born Aug. 4, 1933, in Arizona and had been a Ventura resident until his retirement about five years ago.

For more than 30 years he had been a teacher and coach in Ventura County. He taught physical education and history at Camarillo, Thousand Oaks and Newbury Park high schools. He was the head baseball coach at all three schools as well as a basketball and football coach.

In 1967, the year the school opened, he guided Newbury Park High School to a CIF-Southern Section baseball championship.

Merrill retired in 1995 and moved to Las Vegas. He retained close links to Newbury Park High School and often returned to watch his grandchildren play for the Panthers.

He was a member of the Channel Coast Officials Assn., refereeing basketball for more than 25 years. After his retirement he worked at the Paiute Golf Course in Las Vegas as a starter and marshal.

He traveled through almost every state and visited Europe.

He is survived by his wife, Becky, of Las Vegas; sons Verne and Jason Merrill of Newbury Park; daughters Christa Arnold of Kentucky and Deena Merrill of Newbury Park; stepsons Gary Lewis and Donny Myers; stepdaughter Gina Dobrolecki; brothers Clayton, Duke and Kimball; sisters Merriam Ramos, Shirley Layton, Sylvia Lewis and Joyce Merrill; and 11 grandchildren.

A memorial celebration of his life is scheduled at 1 p.m. Friday at Newbury Park High School in the performing arts center.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Newbury Park High School Scholarship Foundation, Jay Merrill Fund, 456 Reino Road, Newbury Park, CA 91320.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ted Mayr Funeral Home in Ventura.