Jake Seigle

Jake Seigle, affectionately known as "Coach", passed away at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy of love, mentorship, and community service. The son of Ruth Palmer Seigle and James Albert Seigle, Jake was a proud 3rd generation Santa Cruzan whose deep roots made him a beloved figure to all who knew him.
Jake's educational journey began at Branciforte Elementary, continued through Branciforte Junior High, and Santa Cruz High. He earned an associate degree from Cabrillo College and furthered his studies at San Jose State. He served his country with pride as a member of the U.S. Navy, and upon returning to Santa Cruz joined his brother Rod in the family construction company. Over the next 40 years, they left their mark on many local homes and businesses. They were instrumental in the rebuilding effort of downtown Santa Cruz after the 1989 earthquake and worked on many local projects including the Santa Cruz County Bank, Boardwalk, Leask's Department Store and Woolworth's, just to name a few.
In 1974, while skiing in Bear valley, Jake met the love of his life, Shannon, who 6 months later became his wife a love that would last for the next 50 years. They had three children - Jake, Cinde, and Matt - while living in Aptos, eventually settling in their home in Soquel. Jake was a "jack of all trades", but his greatest passion was coaching and mentoring. For several years he coached his two sons in baseball, basketball and soccer, later coaching high school basketball at Soquel and Aptos highschools for 7 years. His boundless generosity, insightful wisdom, and remarkable ability to connect with players from all walks of life made him not just a coach, but a genuine mentor. A true "life coach", Jake was always ready with encouragement, thoughtful advice, and a listening ear. His natural gift for making others feel valued earned him deep affection from his players and the community.
Jake's family was everything to him. He cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren and was happiest when surrounded by friends and family, sharing stories and offering advice. He had a gift for making everyone feel like a friend and his positive energy and humor were a light in the lives of all who knew him. He will be profoundly missed.. His legacy as a husband, father, grandfather, coach and mentor will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.. He will be forever remembered and his absence will be felt by all who loved him.
As a neighbor, he was lovingly dubbed the "Mayor of La Cima Street", offering guidance, a helping hand, and a warm presence to those in need. In later years. he rekindled his love for surfing, becoming a familiar presence in the water and earning the affectionate title "Mayor of the Hook". Often accompanied by Shannon and their dogs, Jake found joy in the simple pleasure of the ocean waves or chatting with passing friends, always happy to share his passion for life.
In their later years, Jake and Shannon traveled extensively with trips to Hawaii, Mexico, China, Peru, Galapagos, Italy, Spain, France, Fiji, Africa, Alaska and many more.. All with good friends and family.. making wonderful memories to last a lifetime.
Jake was predeceased by his mother, Ruth Seigle, his brother Rod Seigle, and brother-in-law Don Henneuse. His legacy continues with his devoted wife of 50 years Shannon, his children Jake (Christine), Cinde (Tim), and Matt (Alex); and his seven grandchildren: Ethan, Emily, Grayson, Jakob, Prescott, Vonzzaa, and Kruz.
A celebration of Jake's life will take place on Saturday, January 18th at 1:00 p.m. in the Coconut Grove Sunroom. If you would like to make a contribution in Jake's memory, it can be made to Meals on Wheels (519 Main St, Watsonville, CA 95076), Operation Surf(P.O. Box 1581, San Luis Obispo, CA 93406), or Seymour Marine Discovery Center (100 McAllister Way, Santa Cruz, CA 95060).