Jill Jollay, of Tucson, Arizona, passed away on Thursday, January 15th, 2026 at the age of 77. She was surrounded by her honorary nephew and family, friends, and her favorite lizard, Pickles. She was born in April of 1948 to Farris and Viola Jollay of Ohio. Jill had an extensive academic career, beginning as a graduate of Harding High School in Marion, Ohio. She continued to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, a Bachelor of Science in Biology, and a Masters Degree in Zoology from the University of Cincinnati, as well as an MBA from Pan American University.

Jill has always had a passion for animals. She began her career working with reptiles and amphibians for the Cincinnati Zoo before transitioning to a medical associate role at the Gladys Porter Zoo. Even after entering the business world for many years, her love for iguanas never waned. She got her first iguana, Doggie, at the Westheimer Arts Festival in Houston, and carried her home in a small paper sack. She soon began to acquire several other iguanas and lizard species, turning her home in to a lively sanctuary for four-legged, scaly creatures. She also kept a few feathered companions over the years - mostly cockatoos and parakeets - with the most recent being a cockatoo named Chewy. Jill gave any creature she cared for the best life possible and always treated them like family.

For many years, Jill was actively involved in researching iguanas on various islands, including Andros Island in the Bahamas and the Cayman Islands. Passionate about protecting iguanas and promoting conservation efforts globally, Jill became a member of the IUCN Iguana Specialist Group and later joined the Board of Directors for the International Iguana Foundation.

Despite her busy schedule, Jill also had a love for fast cars and enjoyed racing. She owned a wide range of vehicles - from Datsun to Nissan - before ultimately choosing BMW as her preferred make on the racing circuit. As always, she loved giving back to the things she cared about. She became treasurer of the Sports Car Club of Houston and continued supporting the organization even as she prepared to move to Arizona - driven by her love of the sport and, even more, the people.

Along with iguanas and fast cars, her joys included Halloween mischief, South Park sarcasm, warm sunshine, sprinkle-loaded donuts, puzzles spread out across her dining table, making stained glass art, and Godzilla - because life is better with monsters and sugar.

Jill was truly an extraordinary person, full of wisdom, a generous spirit, a kind heart, and a beautiful soul.

Jill is preceded in death by her father, Farris Jollay, her mother, Viola Jollay, her sister, Tracey Jollay, and her special aunt, Elinor Dlouhy. Jill is survived by her honorary nephew, Travis Harwell, his family, her multiple lizards, and numerous friends worldwide.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following:

• Colorado Reptile Humane Society
  • https://www.corhs.org
• International Iguana Foundation
  • https://www.iguanafoundation/org/contribute
• Shedd Aquarium
  • https://www.sheddaquarium.org/donations/new