Micheal Jaques Obituary

Michael Jaques

Johnston

Michael Austin Jaques, 64, died on October 30th, 2015 at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. Born on June 23rd, 1951, Mike was the third of eight brothers and sisters born to William G. and Geraldine Eldridge Jaques. He graduated from Dowling High School (1970), and studied Architectural Engineering at Iowa State University. An amazing world traveler, his story could be titled like Bilbo Baggins', "There and Back Again". Mike lived and worked on six continents and was known around the world for his ability to solve geotechnical problems all the while gaining friends and advocates as he worked to help others.

In 1999 he joined Uretek USA as Technical Director, and in 2006 he established the Peerless Compaction Grouting Company specializing in underground foundation issues. Mike had over 45 years of international experience; projects involved repairs to dams, tunnels, mines and underground utilities worldwide, including NASA at the J.F.K. Space Center shuttle launch platform. His father, William (Bill) Jaques, operated W. G. Jaques Company in Des Moines for over 40 years, making Mike a 3rd generation ground modification specialist.

He was married to Sara Rivas Jaques, and the father to their twin boys, Hudson Edward Jaques, and Dane-Michael Justice Jaques.

He was predeceased by his parents, William G. Jaques, and Geraldine Jaques, youngest brother, Jeffrey Jaques, and nephew, Benjamin Jaques. He is survived by his wife, Sara Rivas Jaques, and his two sons, and his brothers, and sisters and their spouses, William B. Jaques (Darlene Brister) of Urbandale, IA, Stephen Jaques (Marjorie Ocheltree) of West Des Moines, IA, Timothy Jaques (Becky) of Kansas City, MO, Robert Jaques (Nadia) of Urbandale, IA, Josephine Jaques Steuart (Christopher), Seattle, WA, and Elizabeth Jaques Mark (Donald) of Johnston, IA., and many nieces and nephews.

He will be deeply missed by all of those who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the Iles-Westover Chapel, 6337 Hickman Road, Des Moines, Iowa.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 6, 2015 at Lutheran Church of Hope, 925 Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa.

The family suggests memorial donations be sent to The Michael Jaques Sons' Educational Fund, c/o Iles-Westover Funeral Homes. Condolences may be expressed at www.IlesCares.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Des Moines Register from Nov. 4 to Nov. 6, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Micheal Jaques

9 Entries

Clair Schuler

May 24, 2016

Goodbye Big Daddy I won't forget the grout

December 7, 2015

I'm truly sorry for your loss. It's been 41 years since I have seen any of the Jaques clan, and remember them being quite a family.
Cynthia Schaffer Dobbins

Sheri Portel Shafer

November 8, 2015

I'm so sorry for your loss.
I lived across the street from the Jaques family.We lived at1504 Merle Hay Road.
I went to St Theresas with Steve Jaques.
R.I.P

Mark McElherne

November 6, 2015

Too many years have passed since we were classmates at the old Dowling High School. I remember what an artist you were in those days, but I had no idea what an artist you had become with your involvement in underground engineering. Rest in peace, Mike. My prayers follow you to heaven.

michelle morell

November 5, 2015

Mike was my undad before i can remember. Always was apart of ensuring i was granted family visits yearly in yester years. He tickled me to death, held me while jumping of cliffs, camped, apple river memories..etc.. loved me when i pestered him as he was on business calls. Seen him love with full might and in a magical inspiring way second to none. He had amazing travel experiences and even traveled by bike. My deepest condolences to the Jaques family, especially betsie, and yester years family (mine). We never stopped loving you! I miss you! Deepest sympathy to the boys and sarah.

Debbie Linthicum

November 4, 2015

I'm so sorry to hear about Mike's passing. I immediately though back to all the times we played together as kids on Merle Hay Rd. My thought and prayers are with you.

Rita Gerleman

November 4, 2015

Deepest sympathy, Sara, to you and the boys. I don't really know you but always enjoyed our brief interaction when you signed the boys up for things. Take care.

Zita Davis

November 4, 2015

My prayers are with your family. I lost a brother last year so I have empathy for you and sympathy for your loss. I remember Mike was so "cool" he wasn't afraid to let his little sister and her friends hang around.

Lisa Reed

November 4, 2015

I am so sorry Sara. Micheal was like a father to me. I loved him and his amazing stories of his adventures. He is good man. Things will never be the same. God Bless. Lisa Reed

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