×

Master photographer Jay Stock dies

JAY STOCK poses with some of his prints at the Stifel Center in 2007.

By SHELLEY HANSON

Times Leader Staff Writer

MARTINS FERRY — Jay Stock, a Martins Ferry resident who traveled the globe creating iconic photography, has died.

Known for his gripping, beautiful and skillful portraits of people, George Francis “Jay” Stock Jr. was a fine art photographer. He died Saturday at age 96. According to his obituary, Stock was living at the Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Wheeling, where he passed away peacefully.

He was born in Dillonvale on June 27, 1923, but had worked from his studio on Zane Highway in Martins Ferry for more than 50 years. Stock’s interest in photography started after he enlisted in the U.S. Army at 18 years old. During World War II he served as a medic in the Aleutian Islands.

Following his service, he worked in local coal mines and decided to enroll in the The Progressive School of Photography in New Haven, Connecticut, via the G.I. Bill. A bonus from the Army helped him purchase the photography equipment he needed to start his first studio in Bridgeport with his wife, the late Julia Mae Stock.

“At this point in time photography remained a side job using a converted kitchen at night for his darkroom and a living room as his camera room. As time passed Jay’s clientele grew and his dream of being an accomplished photographic artist was well on its way to becoming a reality,” according to Stock’s biography on his website. “Jay opened a small studio in eastern Ohio some 50 years ago, and from the beginning he specialized in photographing people. He has since traveled to five continents and created photographic studies of such diverse peoples as the Amish, the coal miners of South Wales, the cultures of 30 American Indian tribes, 14 African tribes and the people and scenes of all provinces of Canada. His skill, dedication and artistry were a primary force in elevating portrait photography to an art form.”

He also did group portraits and wedding photos for local families. His photography work was influenced by master painters such as Rembrandt, Monet, Degas, Sargent and Rockwell. Stock had the distinction of being the first photographer to exhibit works at the U.S. Capitol Building in 1975.

Betty Pokas, a Martins Ferry resident and retired area editor for The Times Leader, had many interactions with Stock during her career.

“Considering Jay Stock’s talent, varied interests and work with others, it’s not surprising that he was selected as a Master Photographer. Once using the kitchen of his home as his dark room, Stock didn’t have an easy beginning in his chosen profession. His interests in people and events ranging from Eskimos to the Amish as well as his photographs of Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel and of Hurricane Katrina are only some of the subjects to which he lent his talents. To him, his family was an important part of his life,” Pokas said.

Another journalist, Phyllis Sigal, also worked closely with Stock.

“Jay Stock was larger than life. He was a master. His talents, his personality, his smile — everything about him was grand and sweeping. He was kind and endearing, and that took him deep into people’s lives. He had a lovely way of ingratiating himself with his photo subjects, who often became his friends,” said Sigal, former editor at The Times Leader and the Wheeling Newspapers, and currently managing editor of Weelunk.

“I probably first met him when he’d bring wedding photos into The Times Leader, where I was the Lifestyles editor. Then, later in my career, he’d bring press releases into The Intelligencer/News-Register, sharing news on awards he had won and photo exhibits he was a part of. I have designed many cover pages about Jay! I always welcomed and looked forward to his visits to my office.

“He was a staple at the Heritage Music BluesFest (which my husband produces) for many years, spending hours in the hot sun, photographing musicians and delivering stacks of gorgeous shots he had taken throughout the weekend,” Sigal added. “And he always made sure to round up my family for one great shot in front of the BluesFest banner.

“I was lucky enough to visit him a couple of weeks ago. He was quiet, but smiling. I’ll remember that smile forever.”

Martins Ferry Mayor Robert Krajnyak said when he was a child, Stock lived just a couple blocks from his home.

“I think he was a true talent and a generally good person. He was definitely an ambassador for city of Martins Ferry for all places worldwide he’s been,” Krajnyak said. “He was a kind and friendly person. He was somebody, as a kid, that you were happy to know.”

Stock and his family have been longtime friends and supporters of Oglebay Institute.

“Jay was an icon and a huge part of the artistic community,” Stifel Center Director Rick Morgan said. “We are incredibly honored that Jay chose the Stifel Center as the venue to exhibit his work locally. It was a special place for him, and he was special to us.”

The 2016 exhibit “Just People” featured 80 of Stock’s photographs, spanning a career of more than 70 years. Morgan said the Stock family donated the “Just People” exhibit to OI, making it part of the permanent collection.

Oglebay Institute Director of Exhibitions Michael McKowen, who worked with Stock, said he was impressed not only with his talent as a photographer but also the strength of his character.

“Jay lived a legendary life. As a documentary photographer, he had to earn the trust of people in order to photograph them. His sincerity, honesty and purity of character enabled him to interact with incredibly diverse groups of people and make personal connections with them all,” McKowen said. “I also admired his adventurous spirit. Even later in his life when his body was weakened, his spirit was still so strong. He was always exploring through his work.”

“It was a privilege to know Jay both as an artist and individual … ,” Oglebay Institute President Danielle McCracken said. “Jay was a master photographer and storyteller. We, at Oglebay Institute, were honored to know him and provide a platform to showcase his work. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on.”

Stock was inducted into the Martins Ferry Hall of Honor in 2011.

Stock is survived his children Lorlean (Robert) Fialkowski of Bridgeport, Andrea Cowan of Martins Ferry and Georgette Stock of Martins Ferry, along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other family members.

His memorial service is scheduled from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday at Wilson Funeral Home, 920 National Road, Bridgeport. A memorial Mass is set for 10 a.m. Monday at St. Mary Catholic Church in Martins Ferry. He will be buried at Holly Memorial Gardens.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today