Jay Van Andel, co-founder of Amway, dies at 80 Company and community mourn loss of leader and philanthropist Jay Van Andel, co-founder of Amway Corp., died Tuesday, December 7, 2004, at his home in Ada, Mich. He was 80. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Betty, who passed away at their Caribbean home on Peter Island on January 18, 2004. He is survived by his sons Steve (Cindy) and David (Carol), and daughters Nan and Barb (Rick) Van Andel-Gaby. Van Andel is also survived by 10 grandchildren: Leigh, Jesse, Aaron, Kyle, Christian, Marie, Rachel, Jason,...