James Charles Jacob, 59, of Jeffersonville died on his half-birthday, September 19, at home. He had a view of Mt. Mansfield and was surrounded by his loving family. Jake was born in Burlington to Joseph Charles Jacob and June (Bassett) Jacob. He lived most of his life in Essex Junction and was a 1972 graduate of Essex Junction High School. In high school he ran cross- country to get in shape for his favorite sport, hockey. He was a charter member of the EJHS hockey team under Coach Brian Nelligan, a lifelong friend. Jake served on the Essex Junction Fire Department where his father was Fire Chief. After he was paralyzed in a motorcycle accident, he continued to serve the fire department in communications for several years. After retiring from IBM where he worked as a technician, Jake turned his attention to his true passions: the U.S. Constitution and the Second Amendment. He was a Conservative Constitutionalist and loved to discuss politics with anyone who would listen. He was a member of the Burlington Rifle and Pistol Club and the Green Mountain Boys Shooting Club, where he enjoyed sharing his vast knowledge. Despite living 41 years in a wheelchair, Jake lived life with gusto and on his own terms. He was privileged to shoot and compete with some of the nation's best on the Ethan Allen Firing Range. He owned a speed boat, ATV, camper, vintage motorcycles and numerous vehicles. He traveled with friends and family throughout the USA. Jake is survived by his wife Patricia Jacob of Jeffersonville and her two sisters Andrea Shown and MaryBeth Girard of Marlboro, MA; his sister Janice and her husband Ernest Rheaume of Essex Junction; his brother John Jacob and his wife Geri-Ann Higgins of Essex Town; and his sister Joyce Girard and her partner Todd Hall of Essex Junction. The next generation is represented by Joseph and Joanne (LaLime) Rheaume, Adam Rheaume, Jeffrey and Donna (Geraneo) Shown and their baby daughter Olivia Grace Shown, Alexander Shown, Corey Girard, Kyle Girard, Sean Jacob and Allyson Jacob. A reception in Jake's honor will be held Friday evening, October 11 from 6 to 9 at the St. James Episcopal Church parish hall, 4 St. James Place, Essex Junction. A memorial service will be held on Saturday October 12 at high noon, at the Elmore United Methodist Church on Route 12 in downtown Lake Elmore. Jake received outstanding care over the years at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and from the Lamoille Home Health Agency. Memorial contributions to Lamoille Home Health and Hospice, 54 Farr Ave., Morrisville VT 05661 would be welcomed. The family invites you to share your memories and condolences by visiting www.awrfh.com.