Jay was born in Chillicothe, Texas but grew up in Snyder, Texas. He attended Texas Technological College from 1951-1954 and studied Chemical Engineering. He earned his MD degree from The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas, in 1958 and after a one-year internship at Philadelphia Hospital in Pennsylvania, and a one-year residency at The University of Texas Medical Branch, he entered the United States Medical Corps as a Captain and was stationed at Ft Benning, GA for two years, advancing surgical methods prior to the Vietnam War.
Following his discharge in 1965, Dr. Fish began working as an Instructor for the Department of Surgery at The University of Texas Medical Branch. A year later in 1966, he was promoted to Associate Professor of Surgery and then in 1971 he became a Professor of Surgery. The following year he was named the Granville T. Hall Professor in Surgery and then holder of the Granville T. Hall Chair in General Surgery from 1978-1999. He also served in other capacities at UTMB, including roles as the Medical Director of the Transplantation Unit and Chief of Staff of The University of Texas Medical Branch.
He served on many committees and task forces, was the recipient of too many awards and honors to list and was a member of numerous organizations. Dr. Fish has published articles and chapters in textbooks.
In 2022 Jay was recognized by the University of Texas Medical Branch, John Seally School of Medicine Faculty as a Living Legend.
In retirement Jay Fish transitioned to tree farming in Woodville, TX. In 2017 Jay was recognized as the Tree Farmer of the Year by the Texas Forest Association.
Friends and Family remember Jay as a witty, smart, clever and an avid reader. He believed in the quality of life and finding a happy balance between work and friends and family.
Survivors include his wife, Sally Fish; children: Scott Fish (Dianne) and Collie Fish Daily (Greg); four grandchildren: Courtney Daily, Collin Fish (Rachel), Garrett Fish and Reece Fish; three great-grandchildren: Austin Fish, Evan Fish and Blair Fish and sibling Ann Falls 349
