Jair "Jay" Cerqueira Santos Jr., beloved husband, father, and friend, born June 27, 1957, passed away peacefully on November 13, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, and compassion that touched everyone who knew him.
Jair built a remarkable career in the travel industry, contributing over 30 years of expertise, warmth, and dedication to colleagues, clients, and friends around the world. He was admired not only for his professionalism, but also for the genuine care he extended to everyone he met. Jair had a rare gift for making others feel valued, and he approached each day with optimism and a steady commitment to making the next one even brighter.
He loved the ocean, where he found both calm and joy, and he cherished time spent with the friends and colleagues who became like family. His presence brought comfort, laughter, and inspiration to countless lives.
Jair is survived by his beloved wife, Cristie; his son, Daniel; his brothers, Eduardo and Mauro; his sister, Celina; and his niece, Kelli, whom he always considered a daughter. He is also survived by many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends who were, in every sense, part of his family and whom he loved without reservation. Jair was preceded in death by his loving parents, Leamira and Jair Santos Sr. who have received him in heaven with open arms. His family will continue to honor his memory and carry forward the strength and love he embodied.
Jair's spirit, generosity, and unwavering devotion to others will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all whose lives he touched.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a tree be planted in his honor, a donation be made to University of Miami (Go Canes!), or that you share a lunch with a friend on the beach in his memory.
Services will be held at St. Kieran's Catholic Church, 3605 South Miami Avenue, Coconut Grove, Florida 33133, at 1:00 PM on Friday, November 28.