Jay (Jackereas) Zacharias

Jay (Jackereas) Zacharias, age 66, of Fort Wayne, Indiana passed away on Sunday, January 15, 2023 after a long battle with cancer. He is predeceased by his father, John Jackereas, of Steubenville, Ohio. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Miriam Grumet Zacharias, originally from Steubenville, his mother MaryLou Jackereas and Sister, Jeanne Jackereas Albus, both from Tustin, California, and a sister Jill Antinone, of Steubenville, along with uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many close friends who were like family to him. Jay was born September 29, 1956, in Steubenville, Ohio, and has resided in numerous locations throughout his life, including Portsmouth, New Hampshire, New York, Detroit, Honolulu, Denver, Seattle, San Diego, Pittsburgh, and Tucson. He graduated from Steubenville High School in 1974 and spent four years in the U.S. Air Force. Following his military experience, Jay received his bachelor's degree in Political Science and Economics, and later received his MBA at the University of Hawaii. He spent the next several years working as a Management Consultant and Asset Manager. Jays's passion was endurance triathlon training and racing. He competed in over a dozen Ironman triathlon races, scores of smaller triathlons, marathons, and cycling events, culminating in the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii in 2012. He was a certified personal trainer and triathlon coach and inspired people to be their best selves in all aspects of life. He was highly regarded for his skill at intellectual debate in politics and spent many hours on his outside deck, enjoying the natural wildlife with his head buried in his books and a good bourbon in hand. Preferred memorial can be made to Stillwater Hospice, Fort Wayne, Indiana, or The Prostate Cancer Foundation. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greenlawnmpfh.com for the Zacharias family.