We are filled with sadness that our beloved Jamie passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026. He will be forever missed. He was only 53.
Over the years his life and work took him from Buffalo, New York, where he was born on May 18, 1972 – and where his love for the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres was born – to Toledo, Ohio, where he was raised, to Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, where his children grew up, then to California, and his dream job as hockey coordinator at KHS Rink for the Anaheim Ducks organization. Along the way he worked in many capacities, but ultimately returned to the ice, his first love since he played hockey for St. John’s High School.
Jamie never met a stranger and brought the fun wherever he went. His friendships were many and life-long. He helped anyone in need of a hand, a smile, a hug, encouragement.
As coordinator he formed the first women’s hockey league at the rink, and the stories they told about how he gave them confidence not only on the ice but in life were truly touching. Each team said they were his favorite; but of course that was his gift, letting whoever he was with know how important and special they are.
Jamie left us much too soon. But if he had to go, we are comforted by the fact that he was at work, on the ice, doing what he loved most, surrounded by people who loved him. His aorta gave out and he could not be saved, but his love, laughter, and stories all live on in those who knew him. Selfless even in passing, he was also an organ donor.
Jamie was incredibly proud of his two children, Jack and Jenna Sniderhan. They were the lights in his life. Left to cherish Jamie’s memory are Jack and Jenna, his dad and stepmom James Tracy and Deborah Sniderhan, his sister and brother-in-law Tracie and Chemone Giles, their children Beau, Tyson, Kensington, and Reece Giles, Jamie’s partner of 13 years Annie Solomon, as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family. He was predeceased by his mom and stepdad Barbara and Robert Jaska.
Two celebrations of life have been held. The first, on February 1, was at KHS Rink, Anaheim, California. Over 200 people attended, with many sharing how much Jamie meant to them. At the celebration his son Jack decided to suit up in his dad’s jersey and skates to play a drop-in hockey game. Family and friends cheered him on from the stands. He played well, scoring a goal for his dad.
The second celebration of life for Jamie was held at The Mill in Lebanon, Tennessee, on February 7, with family from Miami, Buffalo, and Atlanta joining family, friends, and neighbors there. Jack and Jenna planned it as their dad would have: Good food, good drinks, good times all set to music from Jamie’s playlist.
There will be one more celebration given by his friends and Annie at Doc Watson’s, 1515 Byrne Rd., Toledo, Ohio, on Saturday, February 28 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
For anyone wishing to make a donation in Jamie’s memory, please consider supporting the women’s and children’s hockey leagues he so proudly championed at http://anaheimducks.com/donate, select “Foundation General” and type “Jamie Sniderhan” in the “Donation Made in Honor of” box; or the American Heart Association at https://www.heart.org; or to a charity of your choice.
For more obituaries visit our obituaries page.
This obituary was published by Legacy Remembers.
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