Jay W. Nissley

Jay W. Nissley, 61, of Manheim, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Thursday, September 12, 2013, after a 3 year journey of battling a cancerous brain tumor. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of Clayton R. Nissley, husband of Martha Nissley of Lititz, and the late Vera Becker Nissley. Jay was the loving husband of Elta Leaman Nissley. They would have observed their 40th wedding anniversary on October 13th of this year. Jay was owner and operator of his own farm in Rapho Township for most of his life; in later years, he was employed at McCracken’s Feed Mill Inc., Manheim. He was a member and Pastor of Kauffman Mennonite Church, Manheim. Jay was ordained in the Mennonite Church in 1980 and served at Kauffman Mennonite faithfully until his recent illness. In 1971 through 1973, Jay assisted in the mission field in Belize, Central America. For many years, Jay served in several leadership positions for the Manheim Christian Day School Board, his last position being Pastoral Advisor to the Board. He enjoyed hunting. Jay’s life-long passion was helping and caring for people of all ages. He had a servant’s heart and always had time for his family and friends.

Surviving in addition to his wife are: two sons, Kirby, husband of Joanna Hilty Nissley, Jordan Nissley, a daughter, Alyssa Nissley, all of Manheim, a brother, John D., husband of Elaine Nissley of Manheim, a sister, Barbara, wife of Marlin W. Good of Lititz, a brother-in-law, Tom, husband of Cara August of Indiana. Preceding him in death is a sister, Mary Ellen August.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Jay’s funeral service at the Erisman Mennonite Church, 8 South Erisman Road, Manheim, on Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at 2:00 PM. Interment will be in the adjoining church cemetery. There will be a viewing at the Erisman Mennonite Church on Tuesday evening from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with additional viewing time on Wednesday afternoon from 1:00 PM until the time of the service.

Please omit flowers. Those desiring may send contributions in Jay’s memory to The Manheim Christian Day School, 686 Lebanon Road, Manheim, PA 17545.