Jake was born in February 27, 1932 in Indianapolis Indiana. He entered the Navy in 1950 and was assigned on ship #877 during the Korean Conflict. In 1954 he enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed in Michigan where he met and married Eleanor Howell. His military career assigned him to AK, SD and CA. His last assignment was in Alaska where he retired in 1971, after 20 years of service.

Jake was a devoted husband of 46 years and father of 4 children and grandfather of 6 and 2 great grandchildren. In 1999 he had the joyous occasion of meeting his two half sisters on a visit to Alaska. A 1995 Family reunion of four generations together and was a highlight of later years.

In Jake's retirement, he became a proficient carver in making diamond willow walking sticks. Jake entered his walking sticks in the Alaska State Fair carving competitions and consistently won 1st and 2nd places over the years. While Jake would not sell his works of art, he made sure that his family members had an opportunity to receive a walking stick from his collection.

Jake's Memorial Poem
Dedicated by his loving family
In honor of Jake

When tomorrow starts without me
And I'm not there to see:
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me:

I wish so much you wouldn't cry
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things
We didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me
I know you'll miss me too.

When tomorrow starts without me
Please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name
And took me by the hand:

It said my place was ready
In heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.

When I walk through the heaven's gate
I felt so much at home
When God looked down and smiled at me
From his golden throne.

He said, "This is eternity,
And all I've promised you,
For life on earth is past
But here it starts anew.

Author Unknown