Jay F. Sisson

Jay F. Sisson, 78, of Fishers, Indiana, passed away on August 30, 2026. He was born August 7, 1948, in Auburn, Indiana, to Russell and Jean Sisson.

Jay grew up in Auburn and graduated from Auburn High School in 1966, where he competed in baseball, football, and track. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served from 1966 to 1970 during the Vietnam War. Trained in aviation hydraulics and airframes, Jay worked on F-4 Phantom fighter aircraft, served with VF-154 aboard the USS Ranger, and was honorably discharged in August 1970.

After returning home, Jay used the GI Bill while working full-time and earned an associate degree from Indiana University in 1973. He began his career in sales before entering the specialty chemical industry with DuBois Chemicals in Indianapolis. Over the years, his work ethic, leadership, and natural ability to connect with people carried him through sales and management roles throughout Indiana and Michigan.

In 1997, Jay founded MRI Chemicals LLC. For more than two decades, he formulated and manufactured industrial cleaning products, developed proprietary chemical products of his own, and built lasting relationships throughout the industry. He was known not simply for what he sold, but for the way he treated people — with honesty, loyalty, patience, generosity, and a genuine willingness to help.

That was Jay.

He was the kind of man who could strike up a conversation with almost anyone. He worked hard, loved his family deeply, and was endlessly generous with his time and knowledge. He believed in keeping his word, doing things the right way, and taking care of the people around him. His kindness sometimes meant he gave more than he ever asked for in return, but that was simply part of who he was.

Outside of work, Jay enjoyed playing golf, listening to rock and roll, and cooking for the people he loved. His family will especially remember his famous grilled chicken — one of those simple traditions that became part of being together.

Above everything else, Jay was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, mentor, and genuinely good man. His legacy will not be measured by job titles or accomplishments, but by the lessons he taught, the people he helped, the relationships he built, and the example he left behind.

Jay is survived by his wife, Irene Sisson, whom he married on May 7, 1977; his son, Christopher Sisson; his grandchildren, Sophie Sisson and Eli Arnold; his sister, Suzanne Harvey; along with extended family and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Jean Sisson.

A celebration of Jay’s life and military service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jay’s honor through the family’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s fundraiser benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association:

Walk to end Alzheimer's