Reverend Jacob E. Tanis, affectionately known as Jack, Dad, Pastor Jack, Pastor PopPop, passed away on October 6, 2026, at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest Campus, surrounded by his family. He was born on June 7, 1940, in Paterson, New Jersey, and lived a life marked by faith, devotion, family, love, and steady service to others.

Jack attended Hawthorne High School in Hawthorne, New Jersey, and later continued his education at Liberty University in Virginia. Leaving his sales position in the secular world and pursuing his calling to ministry led him to Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois, where he earned his Master of Divinity. His education prepared him for a lifetime of service, and he embraced that calling with a heart devoted to God and others.

Jack served faithfully as a pastor for an Evangelical Free Church in Bradenton, Florida. He later became the District Superintendent of the EFC, serving as a pastor's pastor or interim pastor when needed. Eventually the Lord placed Jack as a pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Easton where he touched many lives through his preaching, counsel, compassion, and steadfast commitment to his congregation with his wife Julie serving right along with him. Jack was known for his warm and loving presence, his thoughtful words, and his ability to encourage others in times of need. His ministry reflected the quiet strength of his character and the depth of his faith. He was a man who led by example, and those who knew him will remember the kindness and integrity and love he brought to every role he filled.

Outside of his ministry and family life, Jack enjoyed playing golf and basketball, catching a Yankees game or watching sports on television or being a fan to his grandchildren's and great grandchildren's sporting event. He passed on his love of competition to his children and grand children, and now great grandchildren! Whether with family or friends on the course or the field Jack was always willing to play well and share his faith in how the LORD brings love and purpose to life.

Jack will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, faithful pastor, and loyal friend. He lived with purpose, love, humility, and grace, and he leaves behind a legacy of faith and family that will continue to inspire all who knew him. Though he will be deeply missed, his life stands as a testament to the life changing power of God. While his family deeply grieves his absence, they rejoice in the absolute assurance that he has heard the words well done, good and faithful servant from the master he loved so dearly.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7

SURVIVORS: He is survived by his children, Jacob "Jack" Jr. and his wife Dawn of Asbury, NJ, Jeffrey "Jeff" and his wife Dayna of Magnolia, TX, Christopher "Chris" and his wife Careyanne of Green Pond, NJ, and Lauren Karanikolas and her husband AJ of Bedminster, NJ. He is also survived by his siblings, Donald Tanis and his wife Doris, and Helen Roman. Jack leaves behind 15 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him tremendous joy and pride. His family was the center of his life, and he cherished every gathering, every milestone, and every opportunity to share in their lives. He was predeceased by parents: Jacob Tanis and Adrianna (Beversluis) Tanis, brother: David Tanis, and his wife of 63 years: Julia Helen (Whipland) Tanis, who passed away on October 17, 2024.

SERVICES: A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3pm on Sunday October 25th at Calvary Baptist Church, 5300 Green Pond Road, Easton, PA 18045. Visitation will begin at 2:30pm until the time of the service. Pastor Jack's services have been entrusted to the Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, Bethlehem. A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com.

CONTRIBUTIONS: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Pastor Jack's name to Calvary Baptist Church-via mail to 5300 Green Pond Road, Easton, PA 18045.