Jacob J "Jake" Kaar

Jacob "Jake" J. Kaar, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 4th at the age of 72. Born on May 9, 1952, in Somerville, NJ, Jake was predeceased by his parents, Pauline Kaar and Jacob P. Kaar.
Jake grew up in Warren Township, NJ, and graduated from Watchung Hills Regional High School in 1970, where he was known as a "gearhead" with a passion for mechanics. He briefly attended Salem College in West Virginia before graduating from the Somerset Police Academy. His sense of duty led him to serve as a police officer in Warren Township before pursuing a lifelong career in mechanics, excavation, and landscape contracting.
Jake's dedication to service began early when he joined the Washington Valley Volunteer Fire Department at the age of 16. He remained an active member for over 50 years, considering the firehouse his second home and his fellow firefighters his brothers.
In 1971, Jake married his high school sweetheart, Jody, and together they built a life filled with love, adventure, and family. They welcomed their daughters, Jackie in 1976 and Jana in 1979.
Jake had an innate talent for mechanics that his father fostered as they worked side by side at the family gas station. He was known for his ability to fix anything. His love for racing led him to work on his and his friends' race cars, forming cherished memories competing regionally and later racing jeeps as part of the East Coast 4-Wheel Drive Association.
After running his own gas station, Kaar's Automotive in Middlesex, Jake began working for his uncle at Carrar Excavating, where he learned logging, heavy equipment operation, and land development. He later established his own landscape contracting business, J.K. Maintenance, which he ran with pride until his retirement. Known for his quality craftsmanship and mentorship, Jake treated his clients and employees like family.
An avid outdoorsman, Jake loved hunting, fishing, diving, and camping. He also cherished time spent in the Caribbean, cruising the seas, and visiting Walt Disney World. He was a member of the Warren Elks Club and his generosity knew no bounds-he never turned down a request for help and was always the first to lend a hand.
After a few years as snowbirds, Jake and Jody fulfilled their dream of moving to New Smyrna Beach, FL, where he embraced the salt-air lifestyle. He quickly became the neighborhood "Mr. Fix-It" and formed lasting friendships with those who shared his love of beach life. His legacy extended to the Oceans of Hope Foundation, where he played a key role in adapting surfboards for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that everyone had the chance to experience the joy of the water.
He lived by the philosophy that "Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a ride!"
Jake is survived by his devoted wife, Jody; his daughter Jackie and her husband Danny; his daughter Jana and her husband Eli; and his beloved grandchildren, Danny Jr., Hailey, Ariana, Lila, and Nathan.
For local friends, a gathering will be held in New Smyrna Beach, and a memorial service will be held in New Jersey at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jake's memory can be made to the Oceans of Hope Foundation, supporting adaptive water sports for individuals with disabilities at https://oceansofhopefoundation.org/donations/