Jay Antzakas
Jay Antzakas died peacefully on the afternoon of March 30, 2016, at Hospice Atlanta Center, as a result of gastric cancer.
Jay was born on January 1, 1956 in Athens Greece, to Maria and Iakovos Antzakas. He was educated in Greece and France, and immigrated to the United States in 1974 to attend the Ohio University of Broadcasting, where he earned a degree in radio and television station management.
Following graduation, he began his career as a video editor at WTCG, the fledgling Atlanta cable station soon to become SuperStationWTBS. In 1983, he left Turner Broadcasting System to co-found Television by Design, an early leader in the emerging field of motion graphic design. During his 30 year career as president of TVbD, the company grew to include a client list of over 100 television stations and networks throughout North America.
His passions were television broadcasting, and all things related to commercial aviation. He enjoyed nothing more than traveling the world, especially if it involved a new Boeing aircraft or an as yet unseen airport. His favorite destinations were always by the sea.
He is survived by his wife Melanie Goux, and her family; a half brother Nicholas Voyiatt, and his family; many cousins including his beloved cousin Christina Antzaka, and her family; his mother Maria Antzaka; and many dear friends around the world.
He had a brilliant mind, a loving heart, and was generous to a fault. He will be missed more than he ever realized.
A memorial gathering will be held in his honor in Atlanta, GA, at a date and place to be announced later in the year. Donations in his name may be made to Americans United for the Separation of Church and State, or American Civil Liberties Union ACLU.
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Michi and I were shocked and saddened to hear of Jay’s death this week. Jay affected me in many ways professionally as well as personally. As I found out about his ordeal with illness, and his desire to keep it very private, I thought “that is so Jay” and I completely understood and identified with that. The phrase “generous to a fault” had also come across my mind as I reflected on my experience of Jay, so seeing it in his obit rang quite true to me. I think Jay would rather have his life celebrated rather than his death mourned, so I intend to do exactly that. I’m honored to have known him and be affected by him.
Michi and I were shocked and saddened to hear of Jay’s death this week. Jay affected me in many ways professionally as well as personally. As I found out about his ordeal with illness, and his desire to keep it very private, I thought “that is so Jay” and I completely understood and identified with that. The phrase “generous to a fault” had also come across my mind as I reflected on my experience of Jay, so seeing it in his obit rang quite true to me. I think Jay would rather have his life celebrated rather than his death mourned, so I intend to do exactly that. I’m honored to have known him and be affected by him.
my deepest condolence to his loved ones
Jay your vision and passion were amazing
you always knew know the challenge my once firm view of things
“and so it goes”
My sincerest condolences to Jay’s family. He was an easy-going person who was generous in nature and a fine person. I had the chance to work with him at CFMT in Toronto for several years, and met him at a station anniversary a number of years ago. It was always nice to see him and have a chat. His passing was such a shock. Jay will be missed by many.
Peace be with you Jay, you were one of the best people I knew in TV!
So sorry to hear the news about Jay. Even though we hadn’t been in touch very much lately, I still thought of him often. We formed a friendship more than 30 years ago, one that I will always remember. The world, the industry and his family and friends have lost a wonderful member.
He was a real pioneer in the TV News business and he will most certainly be missed by all of us who knew him and had the pleasure to work with him.
Jay was one of the first people in the broadcast industry I met upon moving to Atlanta 25 years ago. Always entertaining to talk with, Jay is prominent in my early memories of my time in Atlanta.
Melanie, I am so sorry for your loss.
I would like to express my most sincere condolences for the recent loss of Jay. I had the fortune of meeting Jay while working at Omni Television and he was always a pleasure to interact and work with. His contributions to our programs made a difference in many ways. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family.
Melanie, I am so sorry to hear the news about Jay. Dennis Thatcher former manager of WOIO TVleft me a message just minutes ago and I raced right to the internet to find the story. I would have loved to have talked with him, although I know he knew how much I admired and respected him and his wonderful creative mind. Please let me know when and where the memorial service will be held. All my love, John
Dear Melanie. I am only now hearing about Jay’s passing and of course I’m extremely shocked and saddened.
My heart goes out to you and your families during this time of loss. During our time together at TVbD, we did fantastic work as a team and I will always be grateful for the skills and experience I gained.
Again: my condolences and compassion for your loss. Though he is no longer with us, I will never forget Jay, you, Andy, Brett, Rodney, Kelly and our time at TVbD. Take care. :