Husband, dad, grandpa, brother, friend. He was loved by us all.

Jake had an amazing life. Born in Cairo, Illiniois, and raised in Chicago and Baltimore, he served 38 years as a Foreign Service Officer and lived in 7 countries before retiring in Washington, DC. At 23, he married Susan Wagner, the love of his life and for 59 years they traveled the world and amassed friends everywhere. He loved his family dearly, including his son Jim and his wife Kristen, and their children Jacob, Kathleen, and Molly; and his daughter Betsy and her husband Ian Lipson, and their three children Jack, Bryson, and Abraham; and his sister Mary Jane Gillespie.

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Below is an excerpt of Jake's remarks from his 2011 induction into his high school hall of fame.

It shows things he cared deeply about in life and would want us to remember about him. 

"Before I leave, I urge you to remember three things."

"First, as you plan your career and go through life, remember public service. Military or civilian; city, state or federal, there are wonderful careers out there. Often difficult, sometimes thankless, frequently dangerous, the jobs are held by people who deserve our respect. There is far too much thoughtless criticism of those who serve our country.

Second, remember the world out there. When I graduated from high school, the United States had just begun to play its post-war international role, one that today we are accustomed to. Today, nations that did not exist then play important roles in our lives. From the price of gas to the food on our table to security of our borders, the world is involved in our lives. Learn about it, try to understand it. Know that it will always be part of your lives.

Finally, remember this place and the people in it. What you learn here will be important throughout your life. City College High School got me ready for life. I learnd to write, how to read critically and how to get along with people of different backgrounds. The faculty and staff will be mentors and guides, your classmates become life-long friends. Once in a while, I will pause and think, "Where did I learn that?" Or "How do I know that?" And I will recall Ben Emenheiser's history outlines or John Pentz's reading lists. And sometimes, I will smile and think of the day that Mr. Barker, watching me, this new kid from the Mid-West in his history class, put his wooden leg on his desk, pulled up his sock and fastened it with a thumb tack.

Thank you for honoring me today."