Obituary of Jacob Wallace

Wallace, Jacob (Jake) Auguster 75, of Waukegan, Illinois departed this life on December 24, 2010 at the James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, North Chicago, Illinois, after a lengthy illness. Jake, the eldest of two sons, was born on June 12, 1935 in Cleveland, Arkansas to the union of Anderson and Cumie Wallace. He was Baptist at an early age and united with the Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Jake attended Benton Harbor High School and completed his formal education in the United States Navy; and an Associate of Science Degree from the College of Lake County, Grayslake, Illinois. Jake served thirty years in the United States Navy. Throughout his honorable career he received eight good conduct awards, the Navy Achievement Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation and the Sea Service Ribbon and many other prestigious awards and recognitions. He also served on six different naval ships and completed two tours in Viet Nam. Jake retired from the United States Navy in February 1982 from Service School Command Great Lakes, Illinois as a Master Chief Petty Officer. After retiring from the United States Navy, Jake was employed as an engineering instructor on the Great Lakes Navel Base through San Diego City College and the College of Lake County for eight years until he completely retired to pursue his true passions of bowling, fishing, dutiful husband and doting grandfather. Jake was the ultimate instructor. He gave his time freely to teaching and coaching his family and friends in everything from boating , fishing, chess, bowling, to buying a new car and purchasing from QVC, He served as president of the Chief Petty Officer Association; his Sunday night mixed bowling league; the North Chicago Lions Club, and was a committed member of the Lake County chapter of the American Legion. When not coaching, Jake was an avid spectator, especially at his grandchildren activities and sporting events. Jake has two sons from a previous marriage, Danny and Maurice Sledge who were raised by their grandparents in Benton Harbor Michigan. On November 16, 1974 Jake married his soul mate Barbara Simmons. Together they raised four wonderful children, Sherry, Michael, Terry and Michele. He was a dedicated husband, father, brother and son. His wife and children loved and adored him. Left to miss his unconditional love, wife Barbara; mother Cumie Shurn; brother, Hurley (Pearl) Wallace; his children daughter, Sherry (Keith) Daniels Waukegan, Illinois, son, Terry (Susan) Simmons of Burlington, Wisconsin; daughter, Michele (Anthony) Driver Kenosha, Wisconsin; daughter-in-law Niccole Simmons; (19) grandchildren; (4) great-grandchildren; (5) sisters-in-law; a brother-in-law; a host of nephews; nieces; cousins and dear friends, including his life long friends, John and Sarah Woods of North Chicago Illinois. Jake was preceded in death by his father Anderson Wallace, and his son Michael Simmons, In honor of his father, Mike named his only son after him, (Jakob). Dad you were truly loved and we could not have been blessed with a more loving father. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 29, 2010 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan road, Zion, IL and again on Thursday, December 30, 2010 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. with Funeral Services beginning promptly at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Warren Cemetery, 1475 North Cemetery Rd., Gurnee, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the voluntary services at James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center; 3001 Greenbay Road, North Chicago, IL 60064 or to the American Diabetes Association ; 1701 N. Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311.