Mr. Jackie C. Kambarn, 87, of Chincoteague Island, passed away peacefully at home on Oct. 16, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Jackie was born Jan. 16, 1939, on Chincoteague Island, the son of the late James Kambarn and Alice Conquest Kambarn. He graduated from Chincoteague High School in 1958 and spent his life deeply connected to the island and the people he loved.
As a young man, Jackie drove the family seafood truck, traveling throughout the East Coast delivering seafood. He loved being on the road and, throughout his life, enjoyed sharing stories about his travels and the experiences he had along the way. Later, Jackie and his beloved wife, Barbara, owned and operated the Anchor Inn Motel on Chincoteague Island for many years before retiring.
Jackie and his beloved wife, Barbara, shared 64 years of marriage and a remarkable life together. They married when Barbara was 14 and Jackie was 19, beginning a love story that would last a lifetime. They were truly soulmates and built a life filled with love, laughter, travel, dancing, family, and devotion to one another. When they were younger, they loved to travel and dance. They even took professional dance lessons and especially loved dancing the jitterbug.
Their commitment to one another was perhaps most evident during the final years of Barbara’s life. After she suffered a stroke seven and a half years before her passing, Jackie devoted himself completely to caring for her. He lovingly tended to her every need and remained steadfastly by her side. His unwavering devotion to Barbara was an extraordinary example of love and commitment and something their family will always admire and remember.
After 64 years together, Jackie deeply missed Barbara following her passing. Those who loved them find comfort in believing that these two soulmates are together once again, reunited for eternity.
In his later years, Jackie enjoyed quieter pleasures. He loved to read, tend to his flowers and garden, and work with his hands, building beautiful pieces of furniture and shelving from wood. He was also always willing to babysit his grand-nephews, creating memories they will carry with them throughout their lives.
Jackie is survived by his sisters-in-law, Susie Santiano (Jess), of Pocomoke City, and Sarah Jester (Barry) of Greenbackville; his niece, Lauralyn Geiser (Roman), of Berlin, Md.; his grand-nephews, Gabe, Graham, and Gavin Geiser and Quinn Santiano; his grand-niece Olivia Santiano; his cousins Nancy Conklin (Bob), Bob Kambarn (Barbara), Charlie Kambarn (Stewart), and Stephanie Hale (Stan Opiel); and many other beloved cousins and extended family members. William Kambarn (the late Lisa) and Chris Conklin (Dana) held an especially dear place in his heart. Jackie loved them dearly, and they were always among the first people he called whenever he needed something.
Jackie shared a very special bond with his sister-in-law, Susie Santiano. As Barbara’s sister, Susie had been part of Jackie’s life for many years, and their relationship was much more like that of a brother and sister. After Barbara’s passing, Susie remained a loving and constant presence in Jackie’s life, helping to care for him and making sure he was never alone in the years that followed. Their special relationship meant a great deal to Jackie and to Susie.
Although Jackie and Barbara did not have children of their own, they considered their niece, Lauralyn Geiser, her husband, Roman, and nephew, the late Danny Santiano, as their own. Lauralyn, Roman, and Danny shared an extraordinarily special relationship with their Uncle Jack. He was like a second father to them, and they were like a daughter and sons to him. Their bond was one of love, trust, laughter, and family in every sense of the word.
In addition to his parents, Jackie was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara J. Kambarn, and his nephew, Danny Santiano (Vanessa).
Jackie was rarely without a dog by his side. His dogs were treasured companions throughout his life, but his most recent companion, Gabe, shared an especially close bond with him. Gabe remained faithfully at Jackie’s side until the very end, lying beside him during his final moments.
Jackie often said that he had lived a “charmed life” and that he had no regrets. Those who knew him will remember his wonderful sense of humor perhaps most of all. He could make people laugh even during the hardest moments, and he was still making jokes until the very end. His humor, his stories, his kindness, and the laughter he brought into the lives of those who loved him will be deeply missed.
A funeral service was held Saturday, Oct. 24, at 2 p.m. at St. Andrew the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Chincoteague.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Andrew the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, 6319 Mumford St., Chincoteague, VA 23336, or to the Humane Society of Wicomico County, 5130 Citation Drive, Salisbury, MD 21804.
Online condolences may be shared through Salyer Funeral Home at www.salyerfh.com
Services were entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home, Inc., Chincoteague Island.
