First post (sorry for its length):

The clipping must be referencing the body, there is too much weight put on it whenever the viewing is mentioned (either at the funeral home or in the conversation with Kate).

Anyone who is getting excited about Michael becuase he's from NY has to also accept that the clipping clearly says the name of the deceased begins with "J". Thus Michael is ruled out by the very same piece of evidence that ruled him in.

We're left with John Lok, James Sawyer, and Jacob (the last of whom makes no sense whatsoever).

"of New York" simply means that's where the deceased resided at the time of death (as in that's where his driver's license lists his residence). However, the death was almost certainly in Cali, since it seemed to be listed in the Cali papers and Jack expected Kate to be there.

Both Lok and Sawyer would not have many friends, and definitely no family, and both would make Kate queasy while not inspiring Jack to call them a friend.

My vote: Lok. But I don't know why he would leave the island.