Jacob N. Landis

On August 19th, 2024 - Jacob Landis, 39 of Morgantown, WV followed the sun one last time. How could one compose an epitaph to adequately reflect the life of a person whose glow reached as wide as that of the supermoon on his last earthly day? The footprints he leaves in Morgantown, WV; Mount Savage & Frostburg, MD; Germany; and beyond are those of an adored father, husband, son, brother, teammate, soldier, trainer, and friend. 

The sounds he leaves behind echo through the entirety of Appalachia—through hills and streams, on peaks, and in valleys. The words he leaves are enshrined in his late-night Facebook messages filled with the most complex contemplations of life and the universe, or perhaps a meme of a grandmother flipping off someone in traffic—and in the music - from unearthed lyrical gems to resounding drumbeats. More so than all of these, he’ll likely be most remembered for the feelings. Whether it was in his service to his country in the US Army, his time training a new driver on the open road, scoring goals on the soccer field, or receiving his Medieval Knighthood - if you knew Jake, you know that he felt a passion for making people feel seen, heard, wanted, appreciated, and celebrated. A smile that charmed for miles beyond the ones he traveled, both on our land and in foreign lands—by truck and on foot.

Jake was a graduate of Beall High School, Class of 2003. After graduation, he enlisted in the US Army and served 8 years. He went on to attend Hopkinsville University and graduated with an associate’s degree in general education. Most recently, he gave 11 years to TMC as a truck driver and trainer.

In this enormous wake, he is survived by his wife, Joni, and three adventurous, inquisitive boys: Paxton, Leo, and Owen; adored parents, Harry & Gretchen Landis (Jackson); treasured siblings, Seth & Abby; and sister-in-law, Melanie Landis. The rowdiest, most incredible pack of nieces and nephews: Maverick & Mikey Records, and Arlo, Baxter & Marley Landis. Grandparents, Harry Dale Landis Sr. & Charlotte Grab. And family pets, Fireball, Frank & Fig. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, coworkers, friends, and military family. He is preceded in death by Grandmother Miriam Katherine Landis, Grandfather John Michael Jackson, Aunt Marcia Landis, and Cousin Tia Wilhelm. He was undoubtedly met at the gates by cats 55 & Butthole, and dogs Yuma & Ozzie.

The family will receive visitors and welcome stories from the back roads of Savage, the bunkers of Afghanistan, and more in a visitation at Durst Funeral Home in Frostburg, Maryland, on Wednesday, August 28th from 12 noon to 2 pm, followed by a service in celebration of his life and incredible spirit at 2 pm, and refreshments at Saint Michael’s in Frostburg following the service.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established to help Joni and the boys through this incredibly difficult time. To donate please visit 

https://gofund.me/70a5752b

Keep on shining that smile upon us all, Jake - you will be so very missed.