July 31, 1933 - September 9, 2018
On September 9, 2018, Jacob Terry Jr. took his last breath and went into the arms of Jesus, closing the book on his larger-than-life persona and trademark stories.
Born July 31, 1933, in Magee Mississippi to Jake and Elma Terry, he was the oldest of four children. He was raised by his Aunt Carlee and Uncle J.L. Hayes, where at a young age he worked the fields and the farm and learned the meaning and value of hard work. Eager for a change, he joined the army and served two years during the Korean War. His stint in the military changed the trajectory of his life. Upon discharge, he moved to Indianapolis tried his hand at a variety of odd jobs, but always had an affinity for cars. He landed in California at the behest of a friend and went to Trade Tech Junior College to hone his auto body skills.
The need to control his fate drove him to pursue ownership of an auto body repair shop and at Mary’s urging secure a job with the City of L.A. He remained employed with the city until his retirement and worked independently on cars until his knees gave out.
Affectionately called Terry by Mary his wife and Jake by his friends he enjoyed booze, sports and road trips with his buddies. He had a particular fondness for the Van Nuys Traveliers for whom he was a self-proclaimed Foretravel whisperer and non-commissioned salesman. He was best known for his many stories and his second career as an armchair analyst for CNN and MSNBC.
His gift for gab and over-abundance of down-home, charm, and humor, made him loveable and relatable. He enjoyed connecting with people and engaged everyone he met in easy conversation and occasional mischief.
He was unassuming and transparent to a flaw, which made everyone subject to becoming an unwitting accomplice in one of his stories. His network of friends spanned across the U.S. He was always on a journey and willing to take you with him.
Aside from his wife and motorhome, he had a love affair with Costco hot dogs, ice cream, sweet potato pie and almost anything sweet. He was also a master chef (in his mind), food critic and organizer. His most notable skill was his ability to recruit others to work on his behalf (i.e, barbecue, fish fry, etc..). He had a reputation for being quick to fire the help when his standards weren’t met. Those who performed well however, could look forward to payment on the 32nd of the month.
Even in his waning months, Jake was a model of strong will and sheer determination right up until the end of his journey here on earth. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by his many friends, neighbors, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jake was preceded in death by his parents, Jake and Elma Terry, his younger brothers Chester and John, his granddaughter Maurissa and cousin/brother James Rankin.
He left to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 50 years Mary, their five adult children, Sharon (Maurice) Randall; Sonia Terry, Clarence (Tina), Dwayne (Tabitha) Robertson and Robin (Marvin) Wallace; five grandchildren, Wesley Robertson, Christina (Ryan) Williams, Kayla (Ryan) Fiterman, Christian and Jacob Robertson, his one and only sister Juanita Bolton, his selfless cousins Ruby and Cynthia Page; and his eternally faithful friend William (“Boobie” (Marie) Handford.
In the end, the spirit of the man whose magnetic personality drew so many men to him has returned to God who gave it. He will continue to live on in the hearts of those he left behind.
