Harold "Jake" White Jr.

Harold "Jake" White, Jr.
During the early evening hours on Sunday, March 2, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend, Harold "Jake" White, Jr., 61, of Macomb, decided it was time to hit the fairways of the great beyond to work on his short game so he can someday beat his golf nemesis.
Jake, as he was known to friends, was born on Aug. 8, 1963, in Macomb. A graduate of Macomb High School, he later moved to Chicago where he worked as a truck driver for several years. He returned to Macomb in the early 1990s, and it was in Macomb that he met, and later married, the love of his life, Sherry Gonyea, on November 13, 1999. The couple recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. She survives, along with his children, Stephanie Cagney (James Tanis) and Danny Griffin (Kim); stepchildren Jessica Gonyea Huffman (Jarod) and Jake Gonyea (Rebecca); brother, Ralph (Kelly); sister-in-law Shawna White; six grandchildren (Christopher Cagney, Fabian Gutierrez, Isaac Gutierrez, Desmond Griffin, Kaylee Griffin, Claudia Dennis and Miles Huffman); five great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and a few close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Minnie, and his younger brother, Bill (and Jake and Sherry's mini pin, Stormy, whom Jake had dubbed Stinky).
Jake worked as a manager at The Crossing Thrift Store in Macomb for 14 years. A man of faith, he was a member of The Crossing Church. Before joining the thrift store, he owned and operated JB Lawn Service in Macomb for several years. Jake had been a longtime bowler, previously taking part in leagues at Digger's, and he was lifetime member and volunteer at the Macomb VFW post, where he and Sherry enjoyed socializing with friends. The couple loved spending time together, thrifting, antiquing and day-tripping around central Illinois and Iowa.
An avid golfer, even though he said he hated the game almost every time he played, you could often find him at Gold Hills with Bryan, whom he loved like a brother, but detested on the links. When it was too cold to play, they'd break out Tiger Woods Wii Golf to continue their mostly good-natured heckling and competition.
While he could come across as a gruff, grumpy bear of a man, he had a heart of gold and would do anything to help almost anyone. Even when he wasn't feeling well, he worked hard, he persevered, and he did what he could to keep going for his family, who he loved more than anything. Jake was so proud of his children and grandchildren and relished his visits and time with them.
In short, Jake White was a truly good man who will be missed by so many who knew and loved him. Please raise a glass (and maybe have a shot of Fireball) in his honor. Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of life will be held Saturday March 15, 2025 from 2-4 PM at Gold Hills Golf Club. Memorial Contributions may be made to Gold Hills Golf Club. Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please sign guestbook or leave condolences at www.dodsworthfh.com
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