Jay K. Knecht, age 62, of Mifflinville, passed away on Friday, November 13, 2020, a patient of the Wilkes Barre General Hospital. Jay was a resident of his home in Mifflinville for over 36 years.

He was born on Thursday, June 12, 1958 in Berwick, a son of the late Rendon and Ruth (Karchner) Knecht. Jay graduated from the Central Columbia High School in 1977. On September 22, 1979, Jay married his loving wife, the former Joanne Guttman. Jay was employed by several contractors including R.C. Young, Inc., Mifflinville. For the past 26 years, Jay was employed by Bloomsburg University as an equipment operator in the maintenance department until his retirement in 2015.

Jay was a member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mifflinville. He was also a member of the Mifflinville Ranger Fire Company, Bloomsburg American Legion, VFW, Nescopeck, West End Club, The Old Man's Club, The Russian Club, Slavonic American Club all of Berwick, and the Oriental Masonic Lodge #460, Orangeville. Jay enjoyed butchering, using family recipes for venison and scrapple. He also enjoyed hunting and his hunting trips, bass fishing tournaments, farming, golfing and growing produce, selling produce at flea markets and his produce stand in Mifflinville. He was known as "Sweet Corn Jay". He loved riding his Harley with his wife as well as restoring his John Deere tractors and his Model A Ford. He enjoyed spending time at his cabin with his brother, nephews and friends. One of his favorite past times was taking his dog Molly for truck rides and burgers.

In addition to his parents, Jay was also preceded in death by a brother, Edwin W. Knecht and a niece, Denise Zaruta.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 41 years, Joanne Knecht, his four legged best friend, Molly, a brother, Olen R. Knecht and wife Fay of Orangeville, seven nephews, Mark Knecht, Todd Knecht, Lance Knecht, Ray Knecht, Adam Guttman, Craig Hallowell, Jr., Matthew Hallowell, four nieces, Michelle Bower, Dawn Guttman, Laura Tabackman, Sarah Urruti, a brother in law, Carl Guttman and wife Barbara, four sisters in law, Sharon Guttman, Peggy wife of David Bennett, Melinda wife of Craig Hallowell, Diana Hartman, as well as several great nieces and nephews.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Mifflinville with Rev. Chad A. Hebrink, officiating. Graveside committal services will be held privately in the Mifflinville Cemetery. A Celebration of Life service is being planned for June 12, 2021. The Allen Funeral Home, Inc., 745 Market at Eighth Streets, Bloomsburg is honored to be serving the Knecht family.

Memorial contributions in Jay's name are suggested to: Geisinger Hospice at Maria Hall, 1 Maria Hall Drive, Danville, PA 17821 or Mifflinville Ranger Fire Company, 605 Market St., Mifflinville, PA 18631