Jacob James Delagrange

Jake was a lifelong athlete with a passion for sports and coaching. In high school, he played basketball & baseball while also winning the National Bowling Congress Junior Championship in 1955 by bowling a 299. He also was a highly regarded softball player. He was on 6 city championship teams and won the city sportsmanship award. He also played in 3 national softball tournaments. Jake then attended Ball State University and graduated with a BS in education. He received his master’s degree from Indiana University as well as receiving his administrator’s license from the Indiana Principal’s Leadership Academy. He started his career as a teacher and coach at Hamilton High School. He later moved to Churubusco High School, where he taught and coached basketball, baseball, golf, cross country and track. He was voted coach of the year for track by the Indiana State Coaches Association. At Churubusco, he moved into the athletic director position and progressed into the role of principal. He then moved into the principal position at Oak Hill High School and New Haven High School. Jake ended his career in education as the Director of Personnel and Labor Relations for East Allen County Schools. He was extremely proud that in his 31 years in education, he had perfect attendance.

He was a board member of the IHSAA as well as a member and Chairman of the Executive Committee. Jake was also an avid golfer and became a member of the Indiana State Senior Golf Association, where he served as president. He had four holes in one in his golf career and was known as the “Commish” at Autumn Ridge Golf Club.

After retiring from education, he worked for the Chestnut Development Group for 30 years. He was also appointed by the Allen County Commissioners to the Board of Zoning Appeals, where he served as chairman for 17 years.

He married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Murphy, in 1961. They were married for 64 years.

He is survived by his daughter, Leigh (Matt) Meinerding & son, Mitch (Mindy) Delagrange both of Ft. Wayne.

Also surviving are grandchildren Kayla (Lucas) Demel, Kyle Meinerding, Tyler Delagrange, Hope Delagrange and great-grandson, Joel Demel. He was one of 11 children, survived by siblings, Dorothy Eberly and Garry Delagrange. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Amanda Delagrange, Mary Stoner, Esther Peters, Viola Yoder and Carolyn Ewing. Brothers preceding him in death were Andrew Delagrange, Ora Delagrange and Robert Delagrange.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Monday, June 22, 2026, at D.O. McComb and Son Pine Valley Funeral Home, 1320 E. Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, IN, with visitation one hour prior.

Visitation is also from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm on Sunday June 21, 2026, at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Autumn Ridge Golf Club, 11420 Auburn Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46845.