Jay Charles Bartlett

Jay Charles Bartlett passed away on January 18, 2024 at 61 years old after several years battling cancer.   He is survived by his wife Barb and three sons; Sam (wife Emily), who reside in Elkhart, and Ben and Dan, who reside in Carmel.  Also surviving are his parents Hope Diamond (Mishawaka) and Jim (wife Gail) from Fishers and his siblings Matt, Beau and Heather Morgan. He is survived by nieces and nephews Ali Kraft, Connor Bartlett, Tessa and Ethan Morgan, and Bragen Bartlett.  Also his uncle and aunt Dick and Nancy Moore (Elkhart), and cousins Jeff Moore, Heidi Compton and Eddie Johnson.  Lastly, his two grandchildren Hudson and Hailey Bartlett (Elkhart) who brought so much joy to his life. 

Jay was born on April 24, 1962 in Elkhart, IN.  His family moved to Griffith in 1968 and Jay graduated from Griffith High School in 1980.  Jay attended Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology from 1980-1984, earning a Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering.  He later earned his MBA from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana in 2002. 

Jay moved to Springfield, IL in 1984 to start his career as an engineer at City Water, Light and Power.  He spent the next 25 years at CWLP, working several positions, where he enjoyed the challenges of each job and the people he worked with, and ending as Assistant General Manager.  Jay transitioned to serving rural electrical co-ops  when he accepted the position of CEO for Prairie Power Alliance in 2009.  It was at Prairie Power that Jay discovered his passion for serving rural electrification.  In 2015, Jay and Barb moved to Carmel, IN when Jay became CEO of Wabash Valley Power Alliance. He was so grateful that the move back to Indiana afforded him the chance to reconnect with so many old friends.  He retired from Wabash Valley in 2021.   

During his career with Prairie Power and Wabash Valley, Jay worked on several national professional groups working to strengthen and protect rural electric co-op customers and communities. 

Jay had many hobbies that he enjoyed including photography, building his own computers, music and guitars.  Jay also enjoyed playing golf with Barb after their move to Carmel, and they spent many happy hours on the Bridgewater Club courses.  Jay aspired to live his life serving his faith, family and friends.  

Jay’s family will host a celebration of his life on February 2, 2024 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm at Flanner Buchanan - Hamilton Memorial Park, Prairie Waters, 4180 Westfield Road, Westfield, IN 46062.  The family will greet friends first, then attendees can share memories of Jay, with a light lunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gleaners Foodbank.