Remembering President Byers

Leading with Love

Hundreds of mourners gathered at Hoyt Sherman Place in Des Moines for the Celebration of Life honoring Simpson College President Jay Byers on Friday, April 25. Distinguished guests included former U.S. Ambassador Terry Branstad and Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, along with many of Byers’ friends and former colleagues, as well as a sea of Simpson supporters.

“What we celebrate today is the life of Jay Byers — a man who never stopped showing up,” said the Rev. Mara Bailey ’06, Simpson College chaplain. “He showed up because that was how he moved through our lives, building connections, and lifting up the things that matter most to him, which consequently matter to us. And in each of those chapters of his life, Jay made us feel like the most important person in the room.”

For every tear shed, there was also a lot of laughter in a memorable service that captured the essence of all that defined President Byers’ personality and passions. Several speakers delivered humorous and heartfelt reflections on Byers’ visionary leadership, selfless kindness, and “goofy” traits. And the music shared represented the style and sound of everything he loved and frequently performed in his own band.

Remembering Byers’ Star Power

Family reflections included a moving letter from Jay’s widow, Katie, read by their close friend Jackie Norris, as well as touching tributes from daughters Sophie and Charlotte. Jay’s brother, Boyd, recounted the mischief and special adventures the two shared together. Boyd marveled at everything his little brother became and achieved.

“Jay was a star,” said Boyd Byers. “But as astronomers tell us, each star only has so much star fuel. Maybe Jay’s star burned too bright or too hot for too long and he ran out. But he accomplished and experienced more in his 54 years than most people do in a lifetime.”

Byers’ ATO fraternity brother and former high school rival, James Smith ’94, was among several friends to blend humor with poignant reflections in his remarks. Smith joked that his life goal was to follow Jay everywhere, and he did — to Simpson, University of Iowa Law School, Indianapolis and back to Indianola. That shared path brought them very close.

“I am filled with gratitude for my time that I got to spend with Jay,” said Smith. “He was my fraternity brother and true friend, but more than that, he was basically my older brother. It’s hard to think about a world without him.”

Bowties and Beautiful Music

That includes thinking about a world without Jay and his love of playing and enjoying music. Musical tributes in his honor featured many Simpson-connected sounds, including a stirring rendition of “Angel from Montgomery” by popular singer/songwriter Sara Routh ’99. Byers’ former bandmates John Norris ’81, Doug O’Brien and Dave Pulliam delivered a song they frequently performed with Jay — the Simon and Garfunkel classic, “Homeward Bound.” And the Simpson Choir delivered a moving performance of “Bridge Over Troubled Waters” – just as the choir did at Byers’ Inauguration just six months ago.

The service also included a special “Bow Tie Moment.” Attendees were each given a cardboard commemorative replica of Byers’ iconic attire, reminding them how Jay would want them to live on.

“Jay’s belief is to always be in motion — to always be moving forward,” said Tiffany Tauscheck, Byers’ former colleague and successor at the Greater Des Moines Partnership. “Remember the power of believing in others and giving others hope just as Jay did. Onward!”

Onward…and roll Storm!

Watch the full Celebration of Life Ceremony Here