Gerald "Jerry" Jakes

12/20/1930 - 03/03/2024

Jerry Jakes escaped this mortal realm on March 3, 2024, at 93 years old. The family believes he did it on purpose to avoid participating in anymore American elections!

Jerry was well-known for his generosity and kind disposition. He never met a stranger and really didn't mind if you brought a few home. Dad offered charm, wit, and undying love to those who were his friends. He was simply an amazing guy, all bundled up into one marvelous package. If you were fortunate to have met him, you liked him immediately. He was just that kind of person.

Jerry was originally from Czechoslovakia, eventually traveling to the United States where he received his BA from Cornell University in 1953. He worked at Reliance Electric for most of his career. As kids we always saw his job as that of an "inventor". An inventor of machines, an inventor of songs, and an inventor of fun. The sun always was out when he was around, and with his magic he could turn rain into snow when skiing.

He eventually developed his own company, Productivity Plus, which utilized his skills as a marketing consultant. Glass was his passion, and he loved that it could be used repeatedly. He insisted on recycling before it was the right thing to do. It was during this period that he came up with the brilliant idea of Lake Erie West. An area with no city or state boundaries, just universities, major airports, and freeways that could get you anywhere in less than 2 hours. The man was ahead of his time.

Jerry was a member of the Cornell Sigma Nu Fraternity, a member of Sylvania Rotary, and Olivet Lutheran Church. He served on the board for Sylvania Area Family Services from 1970-2006 and on the board of Lake Erie West. He volunteered at Flower Hospital from 2000-2020. Jerry was the 2014 recipient of the SAFS Ray of Hope Award for his community service and the 2018 recipient of the Sylvania Community Arts Commission's Meraki Award for his passion towards the growth of the arts in Sylvania.

Jerry did a whole lot of other things for us when we were kids, but we were too busy to make notes (sorry Dad). However, we do sincerely appreciate his selfless sacrifices and various lessons of life, like how to burn just about anything in a "burn barrel", how to body surf without getting caught in an undertow, how to memorize anything by putting it to song and lots more.

He was preceded in death by his father Otto; mother Alice; and brother John. He leaves behind his wife, Emmie, whom he shared his life for almost 70 years, and loved to his dying day; daughters Linda (Dena) and Cindy; son, David (his favorite son for regularly raking the woods); sister Jackie, whom he adored; sister-in-law Gail (Bill) and brother-in-law Jack (Debbie), who both saw him as a father in so many ways; his grandchildren Jessie (Chase), Jared (Lindsay), Evan, Rachael (Dave), Michael and Aaron were the lucky recipients of his loving involvement in their lives; his great-grandchildren, Arden Leigh and Oliver Jakes Navarre, as well as his grandchildren, stole his heart; a whole host of nieces, nephews, and cousins loved him dearly. Neighbors were always a part of our lives, from neighborhood parties to monthly Tuesday dinners that continue to this day. Friends were always more family than friends.

Visitation will be at the Reeb Funeral Home on Friday, May 3, 2024, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. A service will be at Olivet Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 11 a.m. The family will host visitors following the service, where they will gather with friends to share stories and toast a life well-lived.

A special thanks to Arbors of Sylvania, Friends of the Family, and Ohio Living Hospice for helping our dad exit with grace and dignity.

Finally, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be made to the Olivet Lutheran Church, Sylvania Area Family Services, or Concord Counseling Services. On-line condolences at

www.reebfuneralhome.com