Mr. Henry G. “Jake” Jacobs, 80, of Fernandina Beach passed away Saturday, April 3, 2021.

He was born in Folkston, GA and was a son of the late Henry G. and Julanne May Jacobs.

Mr. Jacobs family moved to Fernandina Beach when he was a young child and grew up here. Jake left the island to pursue other adventures in life. He often joked he took a 46 year vacation before returning home.

He served his country in the U. S. Army and owned his own General Contracting business for many years. He was always interested in politics and learned a great deal from his voracious appetite for reading. He learned much but was always strong in his opinions and remained grounded in his beliefs.

He enjoyed being able to deep sea fish and scuba dive. He was a longtime woodworker who was able to restore several pieces of older furniture. He would find a piece which was long past its prime and with his seeming “magic” it would become a beautiful and useful piece of furniture again.

In addition to the many past times he enjoyed, Mr. Jacobs was an avid collector and wearer of hats. From the most basic baseball caps to felt fedoras, including fishing hats and work hats of all kind, he proudly collected them and wore them with a passion.

He leaves behind his wife of nearly 30 years, Gayle Helphrey-Jacobs of Fernandina Beach; a son, Jake Robert “J. R.” Jacobs, also of Fernandina Beach as well as several extended family members.

The family is planning a small gathering at a future date.

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