JAY McCAMIC

He was born August 6, 1955, in Charlottesville, VA, son of Jeremy C. McCamic and the late Louise “Lisa” Thornton McCamic.

Jay was an attorney whose practice concentrated on criminal defense, plaintiff’s civil litigation, and civil rights. For many years he focused on federal death penalty defense. He was an adjunct lecturer at WVU College of Law on topics related to his practice area. He was the Federal Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Resource Counsel and later CJA District Representative for the Northern District of West Virginia. He was honored with the award for “Outstanding Contributions to the West Virginia Public Defender System.” Recently, he received the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Federal Capital Trial Project for his outstanding contributions to the federal capital defense community and his relentless pursuit of justice for his clients. He took tough, tough cases, fighting for the greater good of those less fortunate.

Prior to his legal career, Jay was on active duty in the United States Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Captain. He later served as Commanding Officer of the local US Marine Corps Reserve Unit.

Jay was on the Board of Directors of the Wheeling National Bank and WesBanco Bank. He was previously on the Board of Youth Services System (YSS) where he received the Good Samaritan of the Year Award in 2017 in appreciation for his unyielding dedication, endless compassion and inspiration to those who need it most.

Jay loved riding bikes throughout his life either on his own or with groups of friends. He was a loyal supporter of the Ohio Valley Trail Partners which works to maintain and expand local bicycle trails. He loved the outdoors, especially hiking. He was a voracious reader and loved sharing books with friends and family. He was known for telling stories, short or long, but mostly long.

He was preceded in death by his mother and by his stepmother, Jane McCamic.

In addition to his father, Jay is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Jimmie Ann McCamic; two sons, Jeremy D. (Elizabeth) McCamic, Nathan A. (Lindsay) McCamic; brother, George (Susie) McCamic; sister, Abigail (Brad) Feinknopf; grandchildren, Ethan & Isla McCamic; and several nieces & nephews.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the thoughtful and caring staff of Valley Hospice for all of their help and support.

Friends will be received for a memorial visitation on Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 12:00 PM until the time of the memorial service at 3:00 PM at Kepner Funeral Home, 166 Kruger Street, Wheeling, WV (304-242-2311) with Reverend Homer Harden officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.kepnerfuneral.com