In the middle of the night this past Saturday, May 27, 2017, the world lost an icon. And I lost a dear friend.
The Father of Juicing, the “Juiceman,” Jay Kordich, passed away peacefully at the age of 93 … leaving behind an unparalleled legacy.
Jay ignited the juicing movement in this country.
At the age of 22, he healed himself of a rare form of cancer with a simple recipe of apple/carrot juice. That triumph over death sparked a lifelong passion to teach and inspire others to heal and live long, healthy lives through juicing.
Jay was the man who inspired me to juice in my early twenties.
It’s his work … his contagious fire … his books and his passionate lectures … that helped me to win my battle against high cholesterol, rid my body of toxins I had spent a lifetime accumulating, and set me on a lifelong path of good health.
Jay did the same for thousands of others across the nation, and ultimately the world.
His passion was so intense and well-known, that he was the subject of an endearing parody by actor, Jim Carrey in the 1990s.
I had the opportunity to work closely with Jay and his wonderful wife Linda to produce the online “School of Juicing”, a compilation of much of his life’s work.
I was lucky to get to know Jay. And I got to meet my juicing idol many times. He was as sweet, positive and inspiring in person as the man I watched on TV in my youth.
Jay carried the same passion for juicing into his 90s that he had his most of his life… and he was a model in death as he was in life.
Jay passed away from natural causes. Without disease. And I understand from Linda that he literally died with a smile on his face.
He leaves this earth with a life that was more than accomplished… he really did change the world.
Whenever you step into a juice bar, know that it was Jay that was responsible for creating the movement that continues to grow today.
If you had the opportunity to learn directly from Jay, then you are blessed. But if you didn’t, know that his influence has affected you in some way. Just as surely as if you had heard one of his impassioned lectures.
Jay was filled with love and gave so much.. not only to all of us, but to his family. He was always by Linda’s side, and trusted her to be the mind behind growing the “Juiceman” brand in the 90s. His sons were raised on juice, and they remained a close family up until Jay’s final days.
Linda will continue to carry on Jay’s wisdom. And she has her own big voice to share in the health movement.
From Linda Kordich:
Creating a public memorial/celebration of life for Jay is the perfect way to say goodbye to him as well as helping his young family find closure.
This celebration of life is a way to shine a light on Jay’s passion and for us to all come together and celebrate his amazing, selfless, and dedicated life. The Kordich family will use the funds to help cover funeral costs and arrange for a public event in Los Angeles this summer. With you, we’ll pay tribute to the man who paved the way for us to understand that eating living foods and juicing creates ‘life’ inside of us, and that we can all live a life full of vitality, longevity, and disease-free living.
Jay Kordich’s work touched the lives of millions, and we humbly ask that if you can, please help us by donating so we can properly honor this amazing leader of this great teaching.
Jay is survived by his wife of 36 years, Linda, and their two sons, John (33) and Jayson (31). We are so grateful for all the love and support you’ve shown us over the years. We plan on continuing to carry Jay’s torch and spread the word about the power of juicing.
Click here to find out about the Juiceman School of Juicing.
