Obituary for Jacob N. Landis 2024

On August 19, 2024, Jacob Landis, 39, of Morgantown, WV, followed the sun one last time. How could one write an obituary that adequately reflects the life of someone whose brilliance reached as far as the supermoon on his final earthly day? The footprints he leaves behind in Morgantown, WV; Mount Savage & Frostburg, MD; Germany and beyond are those of a beloved father, husband, son, brother, teammate, soldier, coach and friend.

The sounds he leaves echo throughout the Appalachian Mountains—through hills and rivers, on peaks and in valleys. The words he leaves behind are enshrined in his nightly Facebook messages, full of complex meditations on life and the universe, or perhaps in a meme of a grandmother giving someone the middle finger in traffic—and in music—from unearthed lyrical gems to thumping drum beats. More than any of this, he will likely be remembered for his emotions above all else. Whether it was his service to his country in the U.S. Army, his time training a novice driver on the open road, scoring goals on the soccer field, or receiving his medieval knighthood, if you knew Jake, you know he felt a passion for making people feel seen, heard, wanted, valued, and celebrated. A smile that enchanted miles beyond those he traveled, both in our country and in foreign lands – by truck and on foot.

Jake graduated from Beall High School in 2003. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served for 8 years. He then attended Hopkinsville University and graduated with an Associate Degree in General Education. Most recently, he worked for TMC for 11 years as a truck driver and instructor.

He leaves behind his wife Joni and three adventurous, inquisitive boys: Paxton, Leo and Owen; his beloved parents Harry & Gretchen Landis (Jackson); his cherished siblings Seth & Abby and sister-in-law Melanie Landis. The wildest, most incredible band of nieces and nephews: Maverick & Mikey Records and Arlo, Baxter & Marley Landis. His grandparents Harry Dale Landis Sr. & Charlotte Grab. And the family pets: Fireball, Frank & Fig. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, colleagues, friends and military families. He was preceded in death by grandmother Miriam Katherine Landis, grandfather John Michael Jackson, aunt Marcia Landis and cousin Tia Wilhelm. No doubt greeted at the gate by cats 55 & Butthole and dogs Yuma & Ozzie.

The family will receive visitors and enjoy stories of Savage’s back streets, the bunkers of Afghanistan and more during a visit to Durst Funeral Home in Frostburg, Maryland on Wednesday, August 28 (at this time). A service honoring his life and incredible spirit and refreshments will follow at Saint Michael’s in Frostburg.

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

https://gofund.me/bdd175a3

Keep smiling for all of us, Jake. We will miss you very much.