Welton Jacobs, Jr.

Welton "Jake" Jacobs, Jr. left this world on the morning of December 18, 2023 in Fayetteville, NC, just three days after his 77th birthday.

Welton was born on December 15, 1946 in Fayetteville, NC. Coming from an Air Force family, Welton spent much of his childhood between North Carolina, South Dakota, and Alaska. Growing up, he loved playing sports. He set track and field records at Douglas High School in Elder, SD. He also enjoyed playing football, baseball, and basketball.

After spending two years in college, Welton followed his father and joined the Air Force in 1968. This led to a stay in Germany, a country Welton frequently spoke fondly of. He always mentioned if he ever visited another country again, it would be Germany. After retiring from the Air Force in 1980, Welton went on to pursue a number of careers, finally landing on working as a corrections officer until his retirement in 2016. 

Welton was a proud and loving father and grandfather. Throughout his life, his priority was to provide for and spend time with his family. Despite working more than full time until the age of 69 and living separately from his children, he always showed up for them. His children and grandchildren never questioned his devotion to them. 

The last few years of Welton's life were not easy on him. He suffered a stroke in 2017 and battled through a number of health issues. He still always showed up at every opportunity. His love for his children and grandchildren was absolutely reciprocated, as they will always adore him. They are eternally grateful to have spent many birthdays, holidays, and special occasions with him. 

His family will always remember his dark and dry sense of humor, soft heart, and immense pride in his children. They are so proud of the life he lived. 

Welton is survived by his children, April and Mark Jacobs, as well as his grandchildren, Dakota, Easton, Emma, Harper, and Juniper, of Raeford, NC. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Welton and Lee Ellen Jacobs, in 2006.