Jay Stoehr, Former CEO and Owner of Robbins Sports Surfaces, Dies at 65

James “Jay” Stoehr, the former CEO and owner of Robbins Sports Surfaces, died Feb. 24 at age 65 after living with Alzheimer’s.

“Jay was not only a passionate industry leader; he was an embodiment of dedication, mentorship, and friendship that touched the lives of many,” Robbins Sports Surfaces said in a statement on its website.

The Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association said "The wood flooring industry has lost a true champion and leader ... Jay was a true advocate and highly regarded ambassador in our industry, and he will be greatly missed."

Stoehr’s obituary said he “continued the Stoehr legacy and was devoted to his life’s work as the President and CEO of Robbins Sports Surfaces. He prided himself on doing the right thing—a core value ingrained in both his business and personal life.”

That legacy went back generations: His father, James H. Stoehr, started in the wood flooring industry in 1955 when he joined Cincinnati Floor Company, a company his grandfather started in 1894. In 1977, James H. Stoehr and his cousin, Bob Stoehr, bought their supplier, Robbins Inc. 

A celebration of life for Jay Stoehr will be held at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church (8101 Beechmont Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45255) on March 16 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made in his name to the Brain Support Network, the Camping and Education Foundation and the Cincinnati Nature Center.