He was born on February 10, 1928, in Rome, New York, to Mary and Jacob Sommers, immigrants from Eastern Europe. 

He grew up alongside his siblings—Ben, Josef, Walt, Stella & Helen—in a world that looked very different from the one we know today.

 

When Jacob was 13 years old, he left the family farm and boldly hitchhiked to California, a first taste of the independence and resilience that would mark his life. 

To many of us, these would be his “vagabond years,” as he liked to call them.

In time, he served in the military- then called United States Army Air Forces branch.  He was stationed in the Philippines near the end of World War II and received an honorable discharge.

 

He married Rhoda Mildred Evans, and together they raised four children—Randolph, Kim, Scott, and Tamara. Eventually, he welcomed grandchildren—Jason; Mica and Brett; BJ, Todd, and Tara; & lastly, Myles—each of whom brought him joy and a deep connection to the family lineage. Later, he was also blessed with a great-grandchild, Lily, who continued that cherished legacy.

 

Jacob spent most of his working life as a carpenter, a proud member of the New York State Carpenters Union. His hands built more than homes, schools & institutions—they built a proud life of diligence, grit & material security to his family.

 

Jacob & Rhoda were married for 45 years. After Rhoda’s struggle with cancer, she passed away. Thereafter, Jacob married Betty Jo Kruasse, with whom he shared 18 years of marriage.  Following her untimely death, he married Eileen Henry, and they were together for 10 years before her passing. Each relationship reflected new chapters and shared companionship.

 

In 2007, Jacob saw one of his dreams come true with the release of his semi-autobiographical book, called A Generation Is Going, which portrayed a glimpse into the rich and winding path of his life.

He was a great storyteller, but just as much, he loved to listen to the stories of others.

 

Jacob believed deeply in hard work and showing up. 

He could be quite candid—often saying, “Can I be honest with you?”—but his honesty was always rooted in genuine care & conviction in the well-being of others.

 

More than his roles or titles, Jake was a principled man & an anchor to his family—of faith & security, especially after his baptism as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on July 2, 1960 - for 65 years.

Being one of Jehovah’s Witnesses helped him to develop into a dependable, generous, approachable, and available person—to his family, his friends, and the congregation.

 

His faith as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses gave shape to his insights & wisdom & the hope he held onto throughout his life. 

 

To conclude the reflections about the life of Jacob Sommers, those who knew him best can sum up his life with these words found in —

 

PSALM 73:26

 

“My body and my heart may fail, But God is the rock of my heart and my portion forever.”

 

A zoom Celebration of Jacob's life will be held on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at 4:00 PM EST, for those wishing to attend the Celebration, here are the details.

Meeting ID 701 202 4000 Password 070124