Jacob "Jake" James Womer, of Hagerstown, MD, passed away with his family by his side at Meritus Medical Center on Thursday, Feb. 5, at the age of 50.

He was born in Oil City, north of Pittsburgh, to Judy (Gifford) Womer, of Hagerstown, and the late James "Jim" Womer.

He graduated from Maplewood High School in Guys Mills, Pa., and the University of Pittsburgh.

Jake loved to root for the Pirates, was a longtime Steelers fan and also followed the Pitt Panthers basketball and football teams. His favorite Pirate, when he was a boy, was outfielder Andy Van Slyke.

As he grew up, Jake enjoyed reading, including newspapers and comic books. His love for journalism was born from reading the Titusville Herald.

He was an education reporter for the Rocky Mount Telegram in Rocky Mount, N.C., and later became its Life section editor.

He joined The Herald-Mail in 2003 as Lifestyle editor.

Jake became executive editor in September 2008, holding that position until August 2022.

He also served as a copy editor for The Frederick News-Post for about a year.

He was a past president of the Antietam Exchange Club and the Maryland Delaware D.C. Press Association (MDDC).

Jake enjoyed traveling the country, including to numerous national parks and cross-country trips with family and friends.

He loved attending concerts, including Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam and Tool.

Jake was a cinemaphile who loved to watch old and new movies, in the theater and at home. In college, he wrote movie reviews for The Pitt News.

Jake loved to talk about sports with his nephew, Tyler.

He enjoyed time with his family and friends, including friends he remained close with since kindergarten.

He liked to play poker, fantasy baseball, and to fish at the lake as long as he didn't catch anything and could nap.

Jake was a devoted son, brother and uncle. He was the best son any mother could ask for.

Jake is survived by his mom, Judy; big sister, Kelly Womer; nephew Tyler Womer; aunts Diane Gifford, Diana Ruby, Betty Womer; Aunt Helen and Uncle Jim Gifford; and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jim; infant sister, Kimberly; maternal grandparents, George and Marie Gifford; paternal grandparents, Norman "Tubby" and Cecelia Womer; Aunt Judy Lopez and Uncle David Lopez; and uncles Rick Gifford and Ed Womer.

He also was preceded in death by his furbaby feline Pookie.

The family would like to thank nurse Tara Parks for the loving care and dedication she provided to Jake.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Doey's House, 11370 Caring Pathway Lane, Hagerstown, MD 21742.