Jayantibhai Bhakta

Jayantibhai N. Bhakta, affectionately known as Jay, was born May 15, 1948 in a humble village Syadla, India. He completed his education at P.K. Patel College before migrating to America for a better life in July 1969 in Baltimore, MD. A few months later, he made his way to California where he met his first wife Manjula.

Together, they had three children, daughter Vandna, and sons, Hamendra and Shetal. After the birth of his younger (late) son, he become a young widower with 3 small children.

In 1981, he went back to India where he married his 2nd wife, Sunanda.

In 1982, he then relocated to the midwest, to Chanute, Kansas. In 1983, his daughter Tejal was born. It wasnt until 1987, that he moved to Wichita, Kansas and made it his permanent home. In 1988, he offiically adopted his nephews, Chetan and Daniel, as his sons. He was an entrepreneur where he ran a business, the Model Motel, along working a job at the Pony Express as a delivery driver. After 48 years of hard work he finally retired in 2017 so that he could enjoy time with his family and community.

There were 3 things that Jay loved throughout his life (outside of his family, of course) were bhajans (singing folks songs of India), playing & watching the sport of cricket, and lastly, his adored Wichita Bhakta Samaj, also known as 'our Bhakta community' where he was revered as a wise and elder patriach, and involved in all aspects of his community.

He has left behind a loving family that misses him dearly, his adored wife Sunanda, his remaining children, his sons and daughters-in-law: Hamendra & Neelam, Chetan & Amisha, Daniel & Khyati; along with his daughters and son-in-law: Vandna, and Tejal & Vishal

His beloved grandchildren: Krishna, Kesav, Armaan, Aahn, Mia, Rihanna, Rehaan, Leela, and Aahliya

Jay will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.