Together Jay Reynolds, Duane Naftzger and Andy Neff developed, promoted and grew into a tradition what is now the Valley City Frog Jump Festival. Duane and Andy have passed on. Now Jay joins them for whatever fun and mischievousness the trio can arrange. We are sorry he left us, but very glad he came our way. Below is his obituary. For more click here.
Valley City Chamber of Commerce

Jay O. Reynolds, age 80, formerly of Valley City, Ohio went to his heavenly home Monday, December 15, 2008.

Jay in a typical situation; adeptly handling a frog to the obvious fascination of kids and adults alike. This was his last Frog School, August 11, 2008.

Jay was born in Spencer, OH on November 25, 1928 to Jay T. and Della Reynolds. He has been a resident of Valley City from 1942-1988 when he moved to Medina, and in March  2008 he moved to Sullivan, OH.  Jay and his wife spent 26 years of their winters in Okeechobee, FL. Jay had retired in 1981 after 28 ½ years as a  supervisor for Ford Motor Co., Brook Park, OH. He had served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Jay was a member of the Emmanuel United Church of Christ, Valley City, where he was a former Sunday school teacher; Lifelong member of the Valley City VFW Post# 5563 and Past Commander of 1956; Lifelong member of the Disabled American Veterans; Past Commander of Medina County Council 1957-1958. He was an active volunteer for the American Red Cross.  Jay was the Valley City Constable for Liverpool Township for 10 years. He was the Valley City Man of the Year in 1969 and 1970. Jay was the head umpire for the Valley City Little League, manager of the former Valley City Lion’s Baseball team; Ford Motor Baseball team.  He was a former Boy Scout Leader and he was instrumental in starting the Valley City Frog Jump, 1962 and has been the teacher for the Frog School held at the jumps in August.

Survived by his family- wife- Eunice, married in 1951, children- DeeAnna and Dana Leasure, of West Salem, OH; Terry and Denise, of Litchfield, OH and Robin and Coy Smith, of Sullivan, OH. Grandchildren- Courtney and Robert Dieter; Amber and Eric Earnhardt; Dane Leasure; Cody Reynolds; Ryan and Leslie Reynolds; Brittney and Erin Smith. Step-granddaughter- Deana.  Great grandchildren- Kathryn and Remington Dieter and another to-be Dieter set of twins. Two brothers and a sister- Lester, Donald and Betty.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother- Richard and a sister- Ada Feist Sexton. 

Funeral Service:  Friday, 11:00 a.m. at the Bauer Funeral Home 2089 Columbia Road Valley City, OH. Pastor Bradley Kelley, of the Grace Brethren Church of Homerville will officiate.

 Burial:  Myrtle Hill Cemetery, Valley City, OH

 Calling hours- Thursday, 1-3 and 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. 

Memorials suggested if desired may be made to the Medina County Jr. Fair Livestock Scholarship c/o of OSU Extension Office 120 W. Washington St.  Medina, OH  44256 or the Medina County Park District.