Jay Michael Levell

Jay Michael Levell

Jay Michael Levell died on November 8, 2021 at Mat-Su Regional Hospital. He was an unrelenting 71 years old.

Jay was born in Douglas, Arizona, on January 13, 1950. It was a Friday. He was the second of five children born to Joyce Acord and Everett Levell. He is survived by his siblings; Judy, Guy, Rod, and Tim.

Jay arrived in Alaska in 1980 and shortly after opened North Country Shoe Cobbler in the Mat-Su Valley. Although his trade was in some ways chosen for him at an early age on account of being born deaf, Jay was unquestionably skilled in the artistry of shoe repair. He learned his trade at Laney Junior College in Oakland, CA. His quality workmanship remains unmatched, and he continued to repair the odd pair of shoes for his loyal and loving customers until the end.

Jay was inventive, resourceful, and giving. He gave frequently to many organizations including the Wounded Warrior Project, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Food Bank of Alaska, among others. He cooked outdoors year-round, loved all of his dogs, especially ol’ Shelby, and often dabbled in different brewing techniques – be it coffee, beer, or wine – although he only consumed the former. In 2019, his homemade brew — English Ale with Japanese Plums — took 3rd place at the Alaska State Fair. He’d never tasted it.

Jay was steadfast in his friendships, unwavering in his sense of fairness, and always good for a joke or two. His spirit looms large in our lives.

For those wishing to pay their respects, his friends and family ask that you help or donate to a neighbor, stranger, or local organization in need in his memory.