Jacob Lynn Feaster Jr

Jacob Lynn Feaster Jr, age 94, of Micanopy, FL, passed away under hospice care with family at his side on Tuesday, Feb 13th, 2024. Jacob "J.L." was born in Perry, FL, on December 23rd, 1929, to Jacob Lynn Feaster Sr. and Gladys Abraham Feaster. He was married to Annette Elaine Feaster on Oct 14th, 1955. They had celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary shortly before her passing on November 5th, 2023.
Jacob was a decorated Korean War veteran of the U.S. Army. He served on active duty from 1952 – 1955 before transferring to the USAR Ready Reserve unit, acting in various leadership/officer roles until his retirement in 1992, reaching the rank of Colonel. He was a recipient of the following awards: Meritorious Service Medal, Army Reserve Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, UN Service Medal, Republic of Korea War Service Medal and the prestigious Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. The 92nd Armored Field Artillery Battalion "Red Devils" were awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for their action in a battle keeping a pass open at Chinhung-Ni for the 7th Infantry Division and 1st Marines to exit the Chosin Reservoir. Jacob was passionately involved with the Korean War Veterans Association throughout his retirement, serving as chapter member, chapter president, treasurer, judge advocate, and two terms as the Department of Florida President. Throughout his life, Jacob was a strong advocate of veterans' causes locally and nationally.
In his civilian life, Jacob worked at Buchholz Jr./Sr. High School in Gainesville, Florida as a Math/Science Teacher, and at Gainesville High School as a Guidance Counselor. He also acted as District School Board Director of Pupil Personnel Services and Management Information Services from 1968 – 1993 before retiring in 1993. He supported his wife Annette in her nursing career, and played an active role in raising their four children. He and Annette were shining examples of good human beings to their children, and shared the sentiment that their children were "the greatest thing [they] ever made." Jacob was a beloved and involved member of the Shiloh United Methodist Church, having served the church for many years as its Board Chairman, Treasurer and Lay Leader Emeritus. He also spearheaded efforts to hold reunions of the extended Feaster-Mixson family. He spent many years updating the Feaster-Mixson family tree, tracing its roots and preserving its history. His brother Jerome once said, "If J.L. is not doing something with the church, he's with his family or working with Korean War veterans. That is what he lives for." He was also a 20-gallon blood donor.
Jacob and Annette loved to travel together, both at home and abroad. They loved to watch and root for their Florida Gators together. Jacob also enjoyed fixing things, automotive work, and taking trips to go snow skiing.
Jacob "J.L." is survived by his brother Jerome Wesley Feaster, his sons, Jacob L. Feaster, III and Joseph A. Feaster; daughters, Sally (Michael) Otero and Mary Yvonne (Mark) Engwall; 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Annette Elaine Feaster, brothers Marion and Gerald Feaster, and sister Lynnette Hannah.
Donations can be made to his church by mailing a check to: Shiloh United Methodist Church 11020 NW Highway 320 Micanopy, FL 32667. Please note on the check "In Memory of Jacob Lynn Feaster Jr.".
Forest Meadows Funeral Home will host visitation from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Thursday, February 22nd, located at 725 NW 23rd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32609.
The funeral service will be held at 3:00pm on Friday, February 23rd at Shiloh United Methodist Church, located at 11020 NW Highway 320, Micanopy, FL, 32667. Visitation will be held 30 minutes before the funeral service. The burial will follow the funeral at Shiloh United Methodist Cemetery (located behind the church).