Jacob King Bennett, Jr. peacefully passed away on June 8, 2019 at the age of 92. Jake was born in LaGrange, Georgia on August 20, 1926 and his family later moved to Columbus, Georgia where years later he met the love of his life, Mary Bell Steffin. They were married for 46 years prior to her death in 1994. He is survived by 3 daughters, 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
Jake served in the Navy for 20 years and achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He was a veteran of World War II and Vietnam. During his Navy career Jake and his family were stationed various places in the United States, including Texas, Washington state, Hawaii, California, Maryland, Tennessee, Virginia and again back to California. After his retirement in 1966, Jake and Mary made their home in San Diego.
They worked together as managers for various apartment complexes. Later they were the managers of Mini Max Self Storage, one of the first self storage facilities in San Diego County.
Jake loved to spend time with family and enjoyed sharing his hobbies with his children and grandchildren. His hobbies included working with ceramics and creating beautiful leatherwork. He would make purses, wallets and clocks that he shared with friends and family. Jake also liked carpentry and remodeled two homes as well as built tree houses for his children and grandchildren. Jake enjoyed gardening and would often have a vegetable garden. He also made beautiful flower beds for Mary.
His love for bowling, playing Bingo, shooting pool and board games continued into his 90's. Jake later enjoyed many fun times at Monte Vista Village where he lived the last 3 years of his life. He was always telling stories and had a great sense of humor.
The family is planning a private ceremony and his final resting place will be Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.
Jake recently said that he had a long and wonderful life. He will be missed by all that knew and loved him.
