TRAVERSE CITY — William R. "Jake" Jacob Sr., 69, of Traverse City, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011, at Munson Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. Jake was born Nov. 8, 1941, in Saginaw, to the late Royal Benjamin and Eleanor Mildred (Randall) Jacob. He married the love of his life, Barbara Jean Seidel, also from Saginaw, on April 14, 1962. Jake graduated from Arthur Hill High School in 1959. He followed his passions for science and learning by pursuing a teaching degree from Western Michigan University, then moving with his growing family to the Traverse City area. He built a career sharing his vast knowledge with science students at Traverse City Junior high for over 20 years. He later attained a Master of Science degree from Central Michigan University. Jake was an avid builder. He built two homes with his own hands from the ground up for his family. Jake was a passionate adventure seeker. He flew to Florida in a homemade plane built by a dear friend, helped rebuild New Orleans, hunted caribou in Quebec, panned for gold in Arizona and the Yukon, biked across Florida, hunted elk in Colorado and helped build with the H.O.M.E.S. organization annually in Neon, Ky. The list goes on and includes countless fishing, hunting, camping, hiking and kayaking adventures.He adored his family. His 49-year marriage to Barb and the life and family they created together was the foundation and the heart of everything he did. He never hesitated to aid a friend in need. He will always be an inspiration to others, especially his grandchildren, to live life to its fullest. For Jake, being a grandfather was the greatest and most exciting adventure of all. Surviving Jake are his beloved wife, Barbara; children, William "Bill" Randall Jr. (Mary) Jacob, Deborah Jacob-Johnson and Krista (John) Zientek; his dear grandchildren, Brielle, Kate, William "Jake" Randall III, Mitchell, Bradley, Sam, Josh and Alec, and Christopher and Megan Colson; sister, Barbara (Jim) Jacques; brother, Mike (Vivian) Jacob; many very special nieces, nephews, cousins and treasured friends; and his furry feline, Angel. Grandpa, Dad, Jake — we will miss you more than words could ever say. Jake was preceded in death by his son, Jeff; his parents; and his brother, Barry Jacob. Visitation will be held for Jake today and Sunday, from 3 to 7 p.m., at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 28, 2011, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Traverse City, with a luncheon to follow. The Rev. David Gable will officiate. Burial will follow the luncheon at Oakwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Central Michigan Biology Station at Beaver Island, H.O.M.E.S., Inland Seas or the Salvation Army. Jake was devoted to these causes. The family would love for you to share your "Jake Stories" on his online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .