The community of Nanty Glo is grieving the loss of one of its most dedicated and selfless members, Jay K. Jacobson, who passed away on December 15, 2024, at Memorial Medical Center. He was 40 years old. Jay was born on November 4, 1984, in Johnstown, PA, the son of the late Joseph and Candice (Berkhamer) Jacobson. His passing comes as a great sorrow to his family, friends, and the many lives he touched throughout his years in the community.
A devoted husband and father, Jay was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Nanty Glo, where he participated in the Men’s Bible Group. His faith and commitment to service were evident in all aspects of his life. As a fireman and a leader in the fire service community, Jay was deeply involved in numerous local, regional, and state fire organizations. He was a proud member of the Nanty Glo Fire Department and served as the acting president of the Cambria County Regional Firefighters Association. Additionally, he held roles with the Western Pennsylvania Firemen’s Association, Central District Firemen’s Association, Pennsylvania State Firemen’s Association, and the Cambria County Swift Water Rescue Team.
Jay’s contributions were not limited to his work with the fire service. He was also an enthusiastic supporter of local youth sports, coaching both Blacklick Valley youth football and his daughter Mackenzie’s softball team. He was a constant presence at community events, known for his kindness, generosity, and willingness to lend a hand.
In his professional life, Jay was employed by Kamzik’s Plumbing and Drain Cleaning, where he built a reputation for his hard work and dedication to his craft. His colleagues and friends describe him as someone who could always be counted on, whether at work, on the field, or in the community.
Jay is survived by his loving wife, Nicole Jacobson, and their daughter, Mackenzie. He is also mourned by his brother, Robert Jacobson, his sister, Sherri Cope, and his nieces and nephew, April and Micole Jacobson and Zachary Cope. Jay’s extended family, including cousin Amanda (Joe) Smorto and their children, Tyler and Bella, as well as Tammy (Aaron) Lentz, also grieve his loss deeply.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 17, from 4 to 8 PM at the Bowser Ondriezek Funeral Home in Nanty Glo. A funeral service will take place Thursday, December 18, at 11 AM at the Nanty Glo First Baptist Church, with Pastor Geno Bartoletti officiating. The Nanty Glo Fire Department will honor Jay with a firefighter’s service at 6 PM on Wednesday evening.
