Ishmael C. Jacobs Jr. "Ish"

Ish was born on May 15, 1941, in a cabin in the mountains of Clarksville, Arkansas, to Ishmael C. Jacobs Sr. and Hattie Bell Tate. He spent his early childhood on the family farm in Michigan, where he learned the value of hard work by helping his father milk cows and run the tractor.

As a young man, Ish began his career as an appliance repairman with Appliance Parts Supply Company in Romeo, Michigan. On January 6, 1962, he attended a double-blind date where he first met the love of his life, Karen Ann Manchester. Although they were initially paired with other people, it didn't take long for them to realize they belonged together. Their first official date was on January 13, 1962, and they were married on June 22, 1963, beginning a beautiful marriage that spanned more than six decades.

Ish's hard work and dedication led to several promotions with Appliance Parts Supply Company, first becoming a traveling salesman in Toledo, Ohio, and later moving into management in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 1972.

In 1976, Ish and Karen embarked on a new adventure when they purchased a popular restaurant and bar, L&J Inn, in Laotto, Indiana, with another couple. At the time, they had four children and one on the way. For eight years, the business thrived, but no matter how busy life became, family always came first. Each year, they loaded up the RV and traveled to Florida, making cherished memories camping and visiting Disney. Those vacations planted the seed for another dream: to someday call Florida home.

In June 1984, Ish and Karen took a leap of faith and moved their family to Florida without a job waiting for them. There, Ish began a new career in car sales, first at the only dealership in Clermont and later at Starling Chevrolet in Kissimmee. Ever the entrepreneur, he also owned his own car lot on Orange Blossom Trail in Kissimmee, operated a Voortman cookie route, and maintained a small landscaping business. He continued mowing lawns and serving his customers well into his early seventies.

Ish was strong, athletic, and loved staying active. He enjoyed many years playing softball, bowling, and golfing. A passionate sports fan, he especially loved cheering on his children and grandchildren and could often be found in the stands at their games, school performances, and extracurricular activities. Whether it was a sporting event, recital, or special occasion, he made it a priority to show up and support the people he loved. He was the family grill master during weekend pool gatherings, and some of the most cherished memories are of him sitting in his recliner watching sports, swimming with his grandchildren, and simply enjoying time with those he loved most.

In 2019, Ish was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. He fought courageously for many years, overcoming numerous health challenges, including open-heart surgery and multiple battles with COVID. Through it all, he remained strong and resilient.

Above all else, Ish will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and a man who was always there for his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ishmael C. Jacobs Sr. and Hattie Bell (Tate) Jacobs.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Karen Ann Jacobs; his five children, Denise, Julie, Daniel, Christopher, and Jennifer; his 15 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; his brother, Gene; his sister, Janet; and his four nephews and three nieces, along with many extended family members and dear friends who will miss him greatly. In addition to his family, Ish was blessed with cherished friendships throughout his life, especially his dear friend, Kelly Martin, who preceded him in death. Their friendship was a special and meaningful part of his life and remained close to his heart.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Alzheimer's research in honor of Ish’s memory.