J.S. Burroughs was born in Kingstree, South Carolina to Minnie House and the late Laurie Burroughs March 5, 1947.
Two years later, J.S. relocated to Rochester NY with his mother and William Cotton who helped to raise him as his own.
He attended 27 and 26 Elementary and Middle schools before moving on to East High School.
He attended Brockport College on a basketball scholarship after earning his GED.
He was well known in the community for his high basketball acuity. His love for basketball was like no other.
From 1964 to 1970 he led the East High School Men's basketball team through two regular seasons where they clenched championship victories.
With over 30 wins, Jay was named a member of the City Star Team. He was one of the late Maurio Panaggio's favorites.
Jay has enjoyed many career opportunities. His first place of employment was with the telephone company, over the years Jay found opportunities with the Urban League, Rochester Products (now Delphi), OCFS Industry Residential Center (juvenile detention center), and other places of employment.
He later obtained his LPN certification where he utilized his nursing skills to assist disabled individuals to achieve productive lives until he retired with New York State Office of People with Developmental Disabilities in December 2002.
J.S. entered into eternal rest Wednesday May 11, 2022.
He was pre-deceased by fathers Laurie Burroughs, William Cotton, step-father, Ernest House, brother, Derrick Burroughs, and son Derrick Lamar Burroughs.
He's survived by mother Minnie C. House, wife of 38 years Patricia Burroughs, and three children Bryan Jay (Nicola Burroughs), Yauneek Jackson, and Tyrell Anthony Wyatt; siblings: Minnie Walker, Lois (James Cooley), Linda Gail Cotton, Donna Nicholson, Virgil Cotton (Maryland), Samuel Cotton, May Jones, Lisha Pasley, Kevin Burroughs, and Marva Gayle Cannion, Ronald House, and Annie Cunningham (Florida); Aunts: Lila Swails, Maggie Sanders (Maryland) Gladys and Josephine Cotton (California); 11 grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews; god-sons: Eric Williams and Michael George Gilley; special cousin Ruth Siplin-Mason and dear friend Fred Forbes.