Jay Robert Schatz, 85, of Cape May, passed away peacefully May 8, 2026, at Cooper Cape Regional Hospital.
Jay was born in Peru, Ill., in 1940. Before he graced Cape May with his outsized personality, he attended St. Bede Academy High School in Illinois and Loras University in Dubuque, Iowa, where he earned a degree in chemistry. He later earned an MBA from Widener University in Delaware.
Upon graduation from college, he attended Officer Candidate school and was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy, where he was assigned duties as an engineer and deck watch officer. Jay honorably left the Navy with a rank of lieutenant (jg).
Following his military service, Jay was employed by Atlas Chemical Co. and later Rohm and Haas in Philadelphia, where he met his boss and future wife, Marianne Hillegas.
Tiring of the corporate grind, Jay and Marianne moved to Cape May, where they became one of the pioneering group of innkeepers who lovingly brought back Cape May’s Victorian homes to their former glory.
In 1980, they acquired an old Christian Science reading room building which they restored and named The Abbey. Over several decades, Jay and Marianne entertained countless guests with their stories, lively antics and irreverent humor.
Among the many things Jay is famous for is his extensive collection of hats and World War I memorabilia. Jay is known for showing up at various events dressed in a kilt, WWI infantry uniform, Native American headdress or Mexican poncho and sombrero.
Notably, over his years in Cape May, Jay appointed himself the CEO and president for life of the Happy Boys Athletic Club and Rugby Association, with a membership of slightly less than 70 (actually, just one member).
Jay was devoted to all things involving Cape May, including the preservation of its Victorian history, trees and wildlife. He was a passionate member and leader of the Cape May Shade Tree Commission until December 2025, helping Cape May to receive the title of “Tree City USA.”
Jay was often seen riding around town in his pickup truck, patrolling for shade tree scofflaws. According to Jay, he knew every tree in Cape May by its first name.
In his retirement, Jay spent his time birdwatching at Cape May Point, attending yard sales and cheering each graduating class of U.S. Coast Guard recruits when they passed by.
Jay is predeceased by his wife Marianne and survived by brothers-in law Michael F. Hillegas, George F. Hillegas (Carolyn) and Joseph Hillegas (Mary Ellen); nieces Megahn Howell (Eric), Brenna Lewis (Ken); and nephews Michael, Kevin, Derrick an Andrew Hillegas.
He will be especially missed by his grand-nieces and -nephews Kayla and Vanessa Howell, and Olivia and Kenneth Lewis.
We all agree that Peru, Ill., is the big loser in all of this and that Cape May won big time. Jay’s presence in Cape May has put a smile on everyone’s face and has helped to make Cape May the unique and beautiful place that it is today.
Jay’s family would like to thank the medical and nursing staff at Cooper Cape Regional and Pelican Pointe Rehabilitation for their kindness and compassion in caring for Jay.
Jay’s viewing is scheduled for 10 to 11 a.m. May 16 at Spilker Funeral Home, 815 Washington St. in Cape May, where his funeral ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at the Cape May County Veterans Cemetery in Cape May Court House.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Cape May STC Tree Bank c/o Carol York, Shade Tree Commission, City Hall, 643 Washington St., Cape May, NJ 08204.
Visit spilkerfuneralhome.com to share condolences.
