Deceased February 26, 2018
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In Memory
Jake learned to fly at age 14 and served 20 years as a pilot in the U.S. Navy and Navy reserve, mostly flying Lockheed anti-submarine patrol aircraft on long patrols from Brunswick, Maine. He earned the rank of commander. Jake then flew for TWA from 1966 to 1989.
While a resident of Pawcatuck, Conn., from 2003 to 2016, he was an active volunteer at Mystic Seaport. From 2014 to 2016 he was president of the Library Fellows of the G.W. Blunt White Library of the Seaport and from 2012 to 2014 served as vice president. In 2016 he received the Library Fellows Award, recognizing his contribution to the library and his years of service.
Jake was an avid reader with a particular interest in maritime history, and he was a reviewer of articles submitted for publication in Coreolis, an online journal of the Mystic Seaport.
Defined by curiosity and a passion for science and history, Jake never stopped learning and educating himself about how the world works. In retirement he took classes at Western Connecticut State University, Norwalk Community College and the University of Connecticut. He read constantly and cared deeply about nature, including animals, plants and the weather. He loved every single one of his many pets.
I met Jake early in freshman year and stayed in touch through the passage of time with meetings at football games, visits to current residences and via email. Our “steadies,” who were invitees to Psi Upsilon weekend gatherings in the ’50s, became our wives and mutual friends, which further strengthened the bonds of friendship.
Jake’s steady demeanor and enthusiastic approach to life’s challenges always assured you that time spent with him would be engaging and positive.
Just a very nice guy—one who is missed but will always be pleasantly remembered.
Jim Schumacher ’55