Obituary of Joseph C. Strait

Joseph C. "J.R." Strait, Jr., 63, of Watkins Glen, passed away on Tuesday, June 1, 2021, at his home. He was born in Elmira, NY on November 8, 1957, the son of Joseph C. Strait, Sr. and Elaine L. Strait. He graduated from Horseheads High School in 1975, and completed the vocational program for Electronics at GST BOCES, Pauline Bush Campus. Joe was a Senior Field Service Technician for Eastern Copy Products for 34 ½ years. Joe enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. His greatest love beyond his family was music. Joe (known as J.R. in the music community) was lead guitar player and vocalist for the bands, Phoenix, Phoenix 2 and All Access. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Marilyn (Jerzak) Strait, mother, Elaine (Lummuka) Strait, father, Joseph C. Strait, Sr., and mother-in-law, Delann S Jerzak. He is survived by two sons, Joseph C. Strait, III of Watkins Glen and Robert Bond of Elmira; sister, Julie (Joe) Clugstone of Watkins Glen; brother, James (Denise) Strait of Horseheads; father-in-law, Martin G. Jerzak, Sr. of Elmira; and by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Joe will be laid to rest beside his late wife, Marilyn, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Elmira. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 10, 2021. Time and place will be announced on Facebook. Friends and family may contact Joe's sister, Julie, for further details.