Jacob Denson, 97 years YOUNG, was the youngest son of late Rev. Richard Manuel and Mattie Lizzie Denson. Jacob was born June 22, 1920 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and peacefully made his transition in Laveen, Arizona on March 19, 2018 under his daughter’s care.
Jake as he was called, was the remaining of seven siblings to Richard and Mattie. Preceding him in death was his wife Billie Jane; his brothers Isaac, Moses and Paul, and his sisters, Marjorie, Catherine and Morrell. Continuing to celebrate his life are his children, Janet of Laveen, Arizona, Judson (Barbara) of Charlotte, North Carolina, William (Veretta) of Los Angeles, California, Barry (Beverly) of Baltimore, Maryland and Darryl of Reading, Pennsylvania. Also honoring his life are 18 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.
He wore a plethora of names on his shoulder for those who loved him: Jake, Denny, Tiny, Daddy, Dad, Pops, Mate, Pop-Pop, 3-Pop, Uncle Jake, Unc, and brother by his loving sister-in-law Dorothy Denson. Jake loved his family dearaly1 He loved to travel to visit his children family and friends throughout the United States. He cherished the friends he met over the years in Kansas, Misouri, California, Delaware, New York, Georgia, Florida and the list goes on.
Jake joined the U.S. Army on December 10, 1941 and was honorably discharged November 20, 1945 achieving the rank of Sargent. A veteran of WWII, Jake attended mechanic school in Hampton, Virginia where he became a master truck and jeep mechanic and truck driver during his tenure in the army. He valiantly fought in Germany and was stationed in northern France, Scotland, Rhineland, Germany and Ardenees, France. He spoke often of two specific instances where he drove into enemy territory in Germany to rescue his fellow soldiers under fire from certain death.
During his tour of duty, his mother was always at the forefront of his mind. He purchased a home at 126 N. Church Street, Parkesburg, PA for his mother while serving in the Army.
Jake was a track star and basketball star at Parkesburg High School. Coach Matt Minch, referred to him as one of the best overall athletes in his generation in Parkesburg. The genes were passed on to his children as they excelled at basketball, baseball, soccer and track at Octorara High School and now his grand children.
Jake was a life long member of Bethany AME Church, where his father served as pastor many years ago. Jake was a member of the Men’s Choir and served as the Chair person of Annual Men’s Day. He beatified Bethany inside out. A trait that he took to heart for over seventy-five years was his commitment to visiting those who were sick in the hospital or in rest homes. It was his mission to put a smile on hundreds of peoples’ faces he came in contact. He willingly visited, prayed and comforted those who were in need. The missionary serving behind the scenes.
Jake leaves also behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends throughout country.
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