Forrest Hugh Dixon

The youngest of four children, Jake was born on January 5, 1971, in Lansing, Michigan. He inherited three step-siblings when his mother remarried, so he grew up in a house full of kids, much like the Brady Bunch. He was raised in the area and developed a lifelong passion for the outdoors, often riding dirt bikes and four-wheelers. After high school, he moved to California for a time, then moved to Columbus, Ohio where he attended a trade school. He spent most of his life back in mid-Michigan afterwards, with the exception of about a five-year period where he lived in Savannah, Tennessee.

He was a true jack-of-all-trades and could build or fix just about anything. He was a highly intelligent and skilled builder who worked on everything from roofing houses to complex electrical and plumbing projects. Jake was instrumental in building many homes, including his parents' dream home in Tennessee. Recently, he combined his love for the outdoors with his knack for building and created his own electric bike. He also used his welding skills to create art, crafting many beautiful bottle trees.

Jake had a kind spirit and a spunky sense of humor, and his outgoing personality meant he never met a stranger. He loved to make people laugh by cracking jokes, and his generous nature made him a great friend. A true animal lover, he had a special place in his heart for all creatures, including his beloved dog, Gizzy.

To his family and friends, Jake was a generous and loyal man with a big heart. He loved nothing more than helping those he cared about, whether it was working on a family member's car, helping fix something broken in the house, or lending a hand to a friend. His loved ones will remember him for his determined spirit and quick wit. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his companion, Rhonda Swaenepoel, and her daughters who he thought of as his own, Alicia Walker and Ashley Sturdivant; his mother, Marilyn Hill; his sisters, Rita Pelot and Debbie (Andy) Clay; his step-siblings, Tina (Todd) Hileman, Diana Cook, and Gary (Jacquie) Hill; and many nieces and nephews.

Jake was preceded in death by his father, Dale Dixon and his sister, Paula Wykes.

A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at the Williamstown Township Hall, 4990 Zimmer Rd, Williamstown, MI. In honor of Jake's love for animals, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Ingham County Animal Shelter in his memory.