Jacob "Jake" West Jr.

KINSTON - Jacob "Jake" West Jr. passed away on Wednesday, February 15, 2012, at Lenoir Memorial Hospital after a period of declining health. Born in Kinston, May 20, 1921, to Jacob and Isabelle Nunn West, Jake was reared in the Sandhill area of Lenoir County. He was an excellent student at Contentnea School and continued his education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Pierce Business School in Philadelphia, Pa. He served in the U.S. Army in India and China and achieved the rank of Master Sergeant prior to his honorable discharge in 1944. Upon his return to Kinston, he managed the family business, West Machinery Co., and farms until the late 1960's. He was a member of the Kinston Lions Club, St. Johns Masonic Lodge #4 and a Life Member of the Kinston Jaycees. A member of Queen Street United Methodist Church, he will be remembered as a devout Christian, a loving parent and one who truly believed that service to others is the best work in life. Jake was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob and Isabelle Nunn West; and his sister, Natalie West Birdsong Johanson. He is survived by his children, Leigh Fitzgerald West (Kimberly), Nancy Louise Barnum (Peter), Jacob (Jake) West III, and Isabelle West Sanders (Steve); his grandchildren, Hannah Barnum Shumaker, Elizabeth Barnum Watras, Stephanie Sanders Meadows, Gregg Sanders, Melissa Anne West, and Caitlin Jean West; great-grandchildren Jasper Mayer, Riley Meadows, Madison Meadows; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be held at Edwards Funeral Home from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, February 16, 2012. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, February 17, 2012, at Queen Street United Methodist Church. A private graveside ceremony will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salvation Army. Arrangements are by Edwards Funeral Home. Sign the guest book at kinston.com. (Paid obituary)