Jay E. Byzewski

Jay Byzewski, age 56, of Grand Forks, ND, passed away unexpectedly on March 31, 2025.

Jay Emery Byzewski was born on November 10, 1968, in Grafton, ND, to the late James Byzewski and Sharon (Wimpfheimer) Byzewski. He was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Catholic Church and served as an altar boy from the second grade to the twelfth grade. Jay attended grade school at Chase Elementary before graduating from Grafton Central High School as a proud member of the Class of 1987. As a teen, Jay played basketball, bowling, curling, golf, and pool. He was voted as “typical senior.” His classmates will fondly remember a treasured basketball comic book that was created for the team in his senior year.

Jay’s dearest high school friends remember the warmth that radiated from him every day. His big heart was impossible to ignore, and his kindness knew no bounds. He had a unique way of making everyone feel seen and valued, whether you were close friends or someone he had just met. His genuine nature made him a rock for so many, always ready to lend an ear or offer a helping hand when life got tough. His sense of humor was equally unforgettable—witty, sharp, and always perfectly timed. No matter the situation, he could lighten the mood and make everyone laugh, reminding us that joy could be found even in the most challenging moments.

After high school, Jay began a construction career, primarily in finish carpentry and roofing in the Grand Forks area. A few of his proudest moments were completing projects at the Aerospace Foundation at UND and several construction improvements at the Grand Forks Airport. Away from work, he used his carpentry skills to improve plenty of bedrooms and bathrooms in the homes of all his family and friends. In 1998, Jay married Tami Fisher. He liked to listen to music and sing and dance while making homemade chicken noodle soup. He enjoyed being around people and attended the WE Fest for many years. He had a passion for watching wrestling and was an avid Minnesota Vikings fan. He was loved by family and friends. The most important thing to him in life was his two daughters and finding much joy in their accomplishments.

Jay is survived by his two loving daughters, Mollie (Andrew) of Moorhead, MN, and Karlie of Grand Forks, ND; his mother, Sharon (Steve) of Grand Forks, ND; his brother, Mike (Rob) of Chicago, IL, his brother, Tad of Grafton, ND; his wife, Tami Byzewski, Grand Forks; his uncle, Jeff (Leah) Byzewski of Grand Forks, ND; his aunt, Janice (the late Ralph) Marto of Grand Forks, ND; his uncle, Ken (Michelle) Petereson of Columbia, MO; several cousins, and several close friends he considered as family. Jay was preceded in death by his father, his grandparents, and several uncles and aunts.

Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Friday, April 11, 2025 at Amundson Funeral Home of Grand Forks. Visitation will be for the hour before the service in the funeral home. Burial will be in Memorial Park South Cemetery, Grand Forks at a later date.