James Jacob "Jake" Goodson

James Jacob “Jake” Goodson joined many loved ones and friends in Paradise on February 27, 2017 at the age of 55.  He was born to James Huey Goodson and Joan Marie Pecor on November 27, 1961 in Crestview, Florida.  Jake graduated from Crestview High School as co-Valedictorian, received an appointment to the Coast Guard Academy, earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Graceland University, and his Master’s degree from the University of West Florida.  He worked as a computer programmer and systems analyst for the majority of his career in the defense industry and loved to solve problems.

Jake was a faithful church member of the Community of Christ, an elder in the priesthood, an active youth minister, and an advocate for young people.  He served as District President for the Northwest Florida District, pastor for the Crestview congregation, as well as director, pastor and staff for numerous youth camps, mission trips and youth events.

Jake was filled with music.  He loved to sing, was a founding member of Okaloosa Chamber Singers and the Crestview Community of Christ praise band.  Jake played a variety of stringed instruments preferring bluegrass tunes on his banjo and mandolin.  He never stopped trying to improve himself and was self-taught on five different instruments.  Eventually he blended two of his hobbies in order to fashion his own guitars and dulcimers.  Using his woodworking skills he showered gifts on his family and friends, making turned pens, furniture, kitchen utensils, wooden toys and games.

Jake was never stingy with his gifts, time, and talents.  He taught many people to play the guitar and was always gifting guitars to friends and family. People often came to Jake for his assistance with projects in his wood working shop. His motto was “Show up.”  He would travel great distances for ball games, concerts, and theater performances not only for his children but also for his grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  Jake was a loyal and faithful friend.  His family, friends, and co-workers describe Jake as kind, loving, generous and a master of puns. Jake’s highest love and regard was saved for his family.  The love of his life, Della, snagged him at the age of 14 and they enjoyed 41 years (34 in marriage) of camping, bike trips, music, ministry, and parenting together. He loved embarrassing and supporting his four favorite children, Rachel, Jessica, Jared, and Gabriel by wearing homemade “Dad” shirts at their events and being the most supportive parent in the audience. As his children married, Jake adopted his sons-in-law Jacob, Dusty, and Richard and his daughter-in-law Beverly as his own. This love expanded when his three grandchildren, Levi, Joel and Clara came into his life turning him into an extremely proud ‘Papa’. He enjoyed joking and spending time with his three brothers, John, Jeff, and Jeremiah Goodson, their spouses, and his nieces and nephews.  Jake also embraced his wife’s parents, Faye and Larry, her siblings, Michael, Phil, Sarah, Steve, and Anna, as well as their spouses and children. He loved and was loved by many in his church, in his work, and his community, never meeting a stranger. Jake showed compassion for all people. Visitation will be held for Jake Goodson from 6-8 pm on Friday, March 3rd, at Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in Crestview, Florida. A celebration of his life will be at the Crestview Community of Christ on Saturday, March 4th, at 2 pm. All are encouraged to come wearing a bow tie, ready to sing, and prepared to share of how Jake has impacted your life.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bluff Springs Campgrounds or the American Cancer Society. Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in Crestview.  Guest book and condolences are available online at www.whitehurstpowellfuneralhome.com

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