Jay Grafton Vickers, age 81, of Lake Arrowhead, California, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
Jay was born on July 28, 1944, in Upland, California, to James Edmund Vickers and Ellen Vickers. He spent his childhood in Southern California and graduated from Upland High School in 1962. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy (1967) and Juris Doctor (1970) from the University of Southern California.
Jay dedicated his professional life to serving others through the legal profession. He practiced as a private attorney in Upland for many years before continuing his public service as a civil attorney for Riverside County Counsel, where he worked until his retirement in 2001. Throughout his career, he was respected for his integrity, intelligence, and commitment to justice.
Outside of his profession, Jay had a lifelong passion for skiing and spent many years as both a ski instructor and board member for the United States Adaptive Recreation Center (USARC), helping individuals with disabilities experience the joy and freedom of the mountains. He was also a devoted fan of USC football and enjoyed attending games as a longtime season ticket holder.
Above all, Jay treasured his family. He is lovingly remembered by Cheryle, his wife of over 59 years; his daughters, Chantel Nelson, Tanya Pruett and Heather Colbert; his grandchildren, Bobby Nelson, Ashlynne Nelson Pettus, Wyatt Nelson, Kaitley Nelson, Ciara Pruett and Rylan Colbert; and his brother, Randall Vickers. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend whose wisdom, kindness and sense of humor will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Lake Arrowhead Community Presbyterian Church, located at 351 State Highway 173, Lake Arrowhead, California 92352.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the United States Adaptive Recreation Center (USARC) in Big Bear, an organization that was close to Jay’s heart. Donations can be made online at https://donate.givedirect.org/?cid=1433 or checks can be sent to USARC, PO Box 2897, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315.
Jay’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the family he loved and the countless memories shared with those fortunate enough to know him.
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