Jody Thwaits, Sr.

Jody Alan Thwaits, Sr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully with his loving family at his side on July 2, 2024. Born on August 11, 1961, in Plattsburgh, NY, Jody's life was a testament to hard work, dedication, and love. He married Leslie Hall on May 23, 1987 and became a loving father to his children Jody Jr. and Kelly, and a cherished grandfather to Jody III, Grady, and step-granddaughter Peyton.

Jody was a proud graduate of Au Sable Valley Central School and dedicated 32 years of service as a heavy equipment operator and deputy superintendent for the Town of Jay Highway Department. His service to the community continued as a lifetime member of the Jay Volunteer Fire Department, where he put others above himself to ensure the community's safety and to help those in need. His passion for the outdoors was evident in his love for hunting, trapping, fishing, and camping at Union Falls.

Jody's kindness, humor, and commitment to his family and community endeared him to all who knew him. He always enjoyed being a prankster, he loved to make people laugh and he brought a sense of happiness when he played jokes on people.

He will be deeply missed by his surviving family, his wife of 37 years, Leslie; his children Jody Thwaits, Jr. and Kelly (Jordan) Bezio; his grandchildren Jody III and Grady; his step-granddaughter Peyton Sprague; his best friend and brother Max (Beth) Thwaits, Jr., his brother Paul Thwaits; sisters Dorinda (Tom) Murphy, Tammy (John) Devlin, and Amy (Stephanie) Thwaits; brothers-in-law Alex (Hanna) Hall, Rusty (Anita) Hall, Randy (Kerry) Hall; sisters-in-law Kelly Hall and Robin Miller; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Max Thwaits, Sr.; and his nephew Max Thwaits, III.

Relatives and friends are invited to honor and celebrate Jody's life on at Heidrick-Zaumetzer Funeral Home, 3 College St., Au Sable Forks where visitation will be held on Monday, July 8, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with interment to follow at Jay Central Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Jay Volunteer Fire Department or the National Ataxia Foundation in memory of Jody.

Services were entrusted to Heidrick-Zaumetzer Funeral Home, 3 College St., PO Box 127, Au Sable Forks, NY 12912.