Jay M. Witman Local Auctioneer

Jay M. Witman, 56, of Manheim, PA, died Sunday, June 7, 2009 at his home. Born in Lancaster, PA, Jay was the son of the late Amos B. and Anna Mary Johns Witman. Following his father's death, Earl and Marian Minnich were instrumental in raising Jay. Their influence helped to shape the person Jay would become.

In the fall of 1970, he graduated at the top of his class from Reppert School of Auctioneering in Indiana. The following spring of 1971, he graduated from Manheim Central High School. In 1976, he graduated from Stevens Trade School in Lancaster, PA where he studied real estate appraising. Jay's ensuing career as an auctioneer was vast. He started his career in 1971 with Wilbur H. Hosler. In 1973, he was co-founder of Hat and Gavel Auction Co., Lititz, PA. Jay was also a partner in J. Omar Landis Auction Service, Ephrata, PA. Later he was the founder and owner of Witman Auctioneers, Inc. and Tents for You, both in Manheim, PA. Jay also sold for several automobile auctions, including Bel Air Auto Auction, MD; Garden Spot Auto Auction, Ephrata, PA; NADA Auto Auction, Bordentown, NJ; and the former Dutchland Collector Car Auction in Lancaster, PA.

Jay conducted many public sales throughout the area. He was also known for the many charitable auctions he called, reaching from Boston to Florida. Perhaps most notable was the Atlantic Northeast District Church of the Brethren Disaster Relief Auction he co-founded 32 years ago in 1977. Seventeen years later, in 1994, he went on to assist the Shenandoah District in Harrisonburg, VA in establishing a similar auction. He also volunteered his professional ability with Mennonite Central Committee Disaster Relief Auction in Harrisburg, PA and at the Sarasota (FL) Christian School. Jay was also connected with several specialty auctions including the Dutchland Toy Auction, Lancaster, PA; a Hummel auction; and a biannual equipment auction. He was the first to hold a Winross collectable auction. He was a member and past secretary-treasurer of the Pennsylvania Auctioneer Association.

Jay was a member of White Oak Church of the Brethren in Manheim, PA and member of Gideons International. Jay was instrumental in organizing the Manheim Area Prayer Breakfast. Early in his life, he was a 4-H leader in the Penryn area. He also served as a Northeast Advisory Board Member for the former Lititz Springs Commonwealth National Bank. He was a former member of the Rotary Club of Manheim, PA and was a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow. He conducted many Rotary International auctions through the years. He was a past member of both the Lancaster and Manheim Chambers of Commerce. He was a member and presiding president of the Manheim Historical Society. He was also a member of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. In addition to collecting antiques, he enjoyed cooking, and he also took pleasure in maintaining a weed-free flower garden.

He is survived by three brothers, Clair E., husband of Bonnie Witman of Pine Grove, PA; Dale A., husband of Pamela Witman of North Waterboro, ME; and Luke R., husband of Cristel Witman of Manheim, PA; and a sister, Lois F., wife of Dale Hernley of Elizabethtown, PA.

Family and friends are invited to a funeral service on Sunday afternoon, June 14, 2009 at 2 PM at White Oak Church of the Brethren, 1211 North Penryn Road, Manheim, PA. Interment will be private. There will be no viewing. The family will receive friends prior to the service between 12:30 and 2:00 PM. Jay strongly stressed to kindly omit flowers. If desired, contributions may be made to Gideons International, 2900 Lebanon Road, Nashville, TN 37214 or to Bible Helps, PO Box 391, Hanover, PA 17331.