Jay Harcum’s Story

I have been visiting Duck Harbor since 1986, when I was fifteen years old and my parents, Nancy and Joe, built their vacation house at Duck Harbor. And I want to apologize up front for dusting anyone out as I zoomed past you on my 4-wheeler or running over your ice fishing holes on my snowmobile when I was a teen.

My background includes attending Parsons School of Design and then serving in the Marine Corps from 1991–1997, where I finished as a Corporal.

I truly just knew I would regret not joining the Marines later in life. It was not my plan to stay in for 20 years or life.

Different places I served: Boot camp at Parris Island, SC, and Camp Lejeune, NC. I spent some time in the Rocky Mountains cold weather training and on the border working with Border Patrol and ICE. I also spent my reserve time at Picatinny Arsenal, NJ.

Unexpected skills: I can sleep just about anywhere and have amazing bladder control. I can hold it in like a camel. It also gave me patience and to stay calm in times of stress. And of course, I’m a very good shot.

Service shaped me to just be a more disciplined person in all aspects of life. It just gives me the power to be a harder worker, a better husband, and father.

I did get one great piece of advice before going into boot camp. I was told never be first and by every means possible never be last. In boot camp you want to blend in as much as possible. Unfortunately, my birthday was during boot camp, and my sister baked enough cookies for everyone in my platoon. The drill instructor made me eat one cookie as everyone else had to do push-ups. They then confiscated the rest. Not a good blending day!

After serving in the Marine Corps, I married and became the proud parent of two daughters, Melanie and Payton, and am now a grandfather to two grandchildren, with a third on the way. I also have three siblings.

After spending several years in North Jersey as a Graphic Designer, our family relocated to South Jersey to be nearer to my wife's mother, and I accepted a position as an Art Director in an agency outside Philadelphia. In 2006, we moved to this area, where I began working for the Duck Harbor Company and my wife first volunteered and then joined the staff at VIP, where I currently serve on the board of directors.

Following the passing of my wife, Wendi, of thirty years in 2021, I am now excited to announce that I’m engaged to Paige, a wonderful woman from Montgomery County that currently works for the county, and the sister of one of my best friends as a child. Back in the day, that was against bro code, but at this point in our life, it’s all serendipitous. She plans to reside here with me in the area within the next year or so.

I do not have any major hobbies, but I enjoy target shooting. I do not participate in fishing or hunting. My father, brother, and I make an effort to meet at least once a month to play pool, and I strive to spend quality time with my family whenever possible.

I appreciate outdoor activities, including boating and exploring nature with Paige. Additionally, I am an avid photographer.

I am also committed to blood donation, having contributed seven gallons since relocating to Pennsylvania and another seven gallons during my time in New Jersey and the Marines.