Jacob P. Chandonnet

On February 1, 2023, Jacob P. Chandonnet (Jake) passed away; on a bright, crisp and beautiful morning, he left our earthly world to enter the Lord's kingdom of heaven. Jake lived life to the very fullest and was enjoying one of his passions, snowmobiling in northern Michigan with his stepdad, Richard when he passed. He shared his love of motor sports with his dad, Harold, his stepdad Rich, his son Jacob and many, many of his "brothers" that rode snowmobiles, Harleys, dirt bikes, go-carts and just about anything with an engine. He especially loved to watch his pride and joy, little Jake ride around the back yard on his 50cc dirt bike. Both of their infectious smiles came shining through every time they got to enjoy the outdoors and each other's company while riding. Jake was an experienced rider and loved sharing the sport with Jacob. When Jake was young, dirt biking was what he loved to do and had many friends over to the family home to ride the dirt track that was made just for dirt biking. It just came naturally and earned him many trophies over the years.
Jake was born May 11, 1983 in Detroit, MI to Harold R. & A. Suzanne Chandonnet (Cashen, Tank). He was the joy of the Cashen & Chandonnet families being the oldest Cashen grandchild, and he was the one to carry on the Chandonnet name at that time. The smile that could light up a whole room will never dim as we carry him in our hearts and memories. Jake can be found in his son Jacob, his "mini me" who has the same infectious smile.
Jake attended St. Alfred's elementary school in Taylor before the family moved to Rockwood where he would finish his schooling through the Gibraltar school system. Throughout Jake's childhood, he made many close friends – many living at his home for short periods of time. These friendships continue today as his brothers and best friends; he was loyal, strong, kind, respectful and had a wicked sense of humor that everyone loved.
Jake was passionate about many things, but his wife of 18 years, Jackie and his son Jacob were at the very top of the list – head and shoulders above all else. They were the loves of his life. His God, his entire family, his country and his friends were all a part of who he was; he loved them all and was completely loyal. Jake was a stay-at-home dad; he found no greater joy in his life than raising Jacob with Jackie. You could find the three of them together doing many things, from school field trips to visiting the zoo. He loved to work on Harleys and was known far and wide for his (certified) mechanical skills. He could just listen to an engine and analyze it. Jacob loved helping his dad in their garage and, much to his dad's delight, he was a natural at handling tools and learning how engines run.
Jake will forever be a gift to those who knew and loved him. He is survived by his loving wife Jackie, his adoring son Jacob, his devoted parents - dad Harold & stepmom Sue Chandonnet and his mom Suzanne & stepdad Rich Tank. His grandmother, Esther Orde was a special person in his life. His brothers Anthony (Rachel) & Richie (Anjle) Tank were very important to him. His aunts Michelle (Tom), Danelle, Jackie (Paul), Cherie (John) & Michele (Rodney) all loved him dearly. Jackie's family treated him like their own and he loved them for that – Michelle, Sam, Dom, Marissa, Angie, Brad, Elijah & Karen. There are so, so many extended family members – aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, in-laws and cousins as well as "brothers" and neighbors.
Jake was preceded in death by his uncle Rick, his maternal grandfather, his paternal grandparents, father-in-law and his maternal great-grandmother whom he spent a lot of time with growing up.