Jacob Charles

Jacob Gabriel Charles was born on October 21, 1934, in Morne Jaune, Commonwealth of Dominica, to Florita (née Mathew) and Haynes Charles. His father passed away when Jacob was just a young boy, and he was raised by his mother, together with his sister Eugenia James (née Charles) and brother Haynes Charles, both of whom have since passed on.
Growing up in Morne Jaune, the family made their living through farming. Jacob often recalled long hikes to and from Roseau on market days, carrying produce to sell. Those early experiences taught him the values of hard work, perseverance, and humility - qualities that would guide him throughout his life.
After completing his education, Jacob left Morne Jaune in search of new opportunities in Roseau. There, he worked as a mason, helping to build the hospital, and later as a banana inspector with the Agriculture Department. But Jacob's true calling came when he decided to join the Dominica Police Force in pursuit of a career dedicated to public service.
His years as a police officer took him across the island - from Roseau to Soufriere, Marigot, Grand Bay, and Castle Bruce - before eventually returning to Roseau. It was during his time in Soufriere that he met the love of his life, Octancia. She was fiercely independent and not easily won over, but Jacob was determined. His patience and charm prevailed, and together they began a love story that lasted 62 beautiful years and produced four children.
They made their home first in Scottshead, then moved to Canefield, where they raised their family, became pillars of the community, and made many treasured and enduring friendships. Jacob, known to many as "Sergeant Charles," was admired for his professionalism, fairness, and humanity. He believed that policing was about understanding people, not just enforcing the law - and he often helped resolve disputes before they could become conflicts.
During his service in Roseau, he worked in the courts where he formed a firm friendship with Dame Mary Eugenia Charles, which endured until her passing. Jacob also trained police cadets and new recruits at the Morne Bruce Police Training School, taking pride in shaping the next generation of law enforcement officers. Always striving for growth, he constantly sought out avenues to hone his professional skills even traveling to England, where he completed a Commonwealth policing course.
Beyond his career, Jacob was a man of many talents and passions. Like many Dominicans, he had a deep love for the land. He always kept a garden where he could reconnect with his roots. He was an amateur carpenter and had workshop in the basement of his Canefield home where he built, repaired, and created with his hands. He was devoted to healthy living - he exercised daily, juiced, and consumed a clean diet, long before such health and fitness trends became popular.
He had the gift of making everyone feel special. Whether you were a family member, friend, or neighbor, Jacob (or "Pawéh", as he was fondly called,) had time for you. His porch on 10th Street became a gathering place - a space where young people came for guidance, conversation, or simply to sit in his calming presence. And, true to form, no visit was complete without him offering a drink - and always, top shelf.
In 1982, Jacob made the bold decision to move his family to the United States, seeking better opportunities for them. He first settled in Colorado, then moved to New York, where he lived for 42 years. There, he worked as a security officer for Fountain House and later for the American Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) until his retirement. Retirement allowed him to become a snowbird - spending the colder months in Dominica and returning to New York for the warmer ones. Nothing brought him greater joy than sitting on his porch in Dominica, gazing out at the Caribbean Sea.
Jacob was a man of deep faith and unwavering devotion to his family. He was generous, wise, and kind - a man who taught by example. His grandchildren were his delight and he had special names for each of them. His legacy is one of integrity, love, and quiet strength.
After living a long, faithful, and fruitful life, Jacob passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025. He leaves behind his beloved wife Octancia; his children Tennyson Charles, Mavis Charles, Francis Randall Charles, Maynard Charles, William Charles, and Kathy Charles-Christian; daughters-in-law Sarah-Jane Charles Janet Charles, Dorothy Arthur, Cynthia Charles; son-in-law Claudius Christian; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Helen Boney and Dorothy Lawanson; brother-in-law Msgr. William John Lewis; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will cherish his memory forever.
Jacob's life reminds us that true greatness lies not in wealth or status, but in how deeply we love and how faithfully we serve. Though he has left this world, his spirit will live on in all who knew and loved him.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.