J. Willard Landis III

J. Willard Landis III, affectionately known as "Jay" of Green Lane, PA passed away peacefully on August 30, 2025. Born on July 30, 1955 in Sellersville, PA, Jay shared his spirited zest for life, remarkable kindness and mischievous sense of humor with everyone he met. Jay was the son of the late J. Willard "Zig" Landis and Marguerite Landis (Kaiser) and a loving brother to Jeff. He is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Yvonne. Jay's family was a source of much happiness and the greatest joy of his life. He had deep pride and love for his two children, Kristen and Mike. His beloved grandchildren, Rylan, Caroline, and Sloane were a great source of amusement and delight with whom he enjoyed spending time. Jay had a lifelong passion for music and started his musical career as a drum major for the Big Red Band in Souderton, PA. He also marched with the Bux-mont Raiders. In 1976, he joined the Reading Buccaneers Drum & Bugle Corps where he played baritone for 2 years. This is also where he met his future wife, Yvonne. Jay and Yvonne returned to the Buccaneers family when their children, Kristen and Mike joined the corps. In typical Jay fashion, he recommitted himself to the Drum Corps with a renewed exuberance. Within a year he and Yvonne turned the souvenir stand into a fundraising success and Jay proudly took on the role of Treasurer for the Corps. In addition to his supporting roles, Jay was also a member of the Buccaneer Alumni Corps where he performed in concerts and parades throughout the Reading area. His dedication to the Buccaneer Drum Corps was a defining feature that continued throughout his life and he was honored with an induction into the Reading Buccaneers Hall of Fame in 2008. Jay was a constant presence in the Drum Corps community where he made many long lasting friendships, was a paternal figure for many members and became a trusted and knowledgeable resource. His influence and lasting legacy in the Corps will be felt forever. Jay was a graduate of Temple University in Philadelphia, PA where he earned a degree in Accounting and Finance and received his CPA accreditation. He started his career at Detweiler, Hershey and Associates CPA Firm before moving to Bearing and Drive Solutions. He operated as their financial controller until his retirement in 2019 but continued on in a consulting role due to his high level of expertise. Jay was an avid traveler and shared many adventures with his constant travel companion, Yvonne. Some of their favorite destinations included the Caribbean and many family trips to Walt Disney World. Jay also loved spending time at his family's lakehouse on Lake Wallenpaupack throughout his life. From snowmobiling in his youth, to waterskiing as a young man and taking his grandchildren for boat rides in recent years, Jay and his family spent many treasured weekends on the lake. Jay was a lifelong animal lover and wherever he was his two Dachschunds, Bentley and Grayson, were never far behind. Jay knew how to relax and enjoy life. He loved lounging in his pool and floating down a lazy river. Jay's favorite drink was "cold and free," but he was known to enjoy a Long Island Iced Tea or a Gin and Tonic. He often took in a Drum Corps show with Yvonne and friends of the Corps. Jay also enjoyed zipping around in his convertible like James Bond, always with a smile on his face. Jay touched the lives of everyone who met him. He was always there to lend a helping hand to anyone that needed him and his kindness and generosity have left a lasting impact on all who were lucky enough to know him. Our cherished memories of Jay will live on in our hearts forever, he truly was larger than life. A viewing will be held on September 13, 2025 from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM at Anders-Detweiler Funeral Home & Crematory, 130 East Broad Street, Souderton, PA 18964, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM. Jay's burial will take place at Whitemarsh Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made in his memory to the Reading Buccaneers Drum & Bugle Corps, P.O. Box 13032, Reading, PA 19612 or donate online at https://www.readingbuccaneers.org/donate. Arrangements are by Anders-Detweiler Funeral Home & Crematory. To leave condolences or share memories with the family, please visit www.andersfh.com.