Charles Jakway

Charles H. Jakway III Obituary

Charles Henry Jakway III, our beloved Husband, Father, and Captain, sailed on to heavenly realms on January 11, 2023, after a valiant twenty-seven-month battle with cancer. Chuck passed peacefully at his home on Bald Eagle Lake, Minnesota, surrounded by his family. He is deeply missed by his wife of forty-three years, Teresa Carol Williams (Terri,) son John Walter Jakway III, (Natasha,) daughter, Austa Andreen Jakway, extended family, many friends, and the crew at Mains’l. He was known for his extraordinary kindness, compassion, generosity, and sense of humor. His hearty laugh was infectious and brought immense joy to those around him. Many referred to Chuck as the “Gentle Giant,” as he stood almost six and a half feet tall and possessed an outsized heart. His faith, love for others and selfless nature led many to him simply to chat. He would wax poetic on a wide range of arcane and obscure topics as much as the news of the day. He was wise and comforting, nonjudgmental and humble. His encyclopedic memory was legendary, and when family, friends or colleagues had a question, they would not use conventional search engines, they would simply “Chuck it,” asking him questions. As often as not when answering, he would launch into a story, regaling all with both his wit and wisdom. Chuck’s considerable knowledge extended to weather and sailing. Long before weather apps, Chuck would predict the weather, frequently with greater accuracy than the professionals. He loved storms and grey days as much as sunny, clear skies. He was happiest when sitting with his family on the deck of their condo overlooking the Apostle Islands with a cigar and scotch in hand, or sailing his beloved “Aria,” with Terri on the waters of Lake Superior.

Chuck was born on September 3, 1950, to John Walter Jakway II, a Methodist Pastor, and Margaret Andreen Jakway, nee Stave, a Registered Nurse. He was proud of his parents and Range Heritage, growing up in Hibbing, Minnesota. He graduated from Hibbing Highschool in 1968 and received his BA in Sixteenth and Seventeenth Century English Literature from Hamline University in 1972. His low draft number during the Vietnam War derailed his post graduate plans, and Chuck applied for and received Conscientious Objector Status. He completed two years of Alternative Service working in the Volunteer in Service to America or “Vista” Program, at Riker’s Island Jail in New York City, New York.

In Vista, Chuck found a passion for assisting felons which led him to a twenty-five plus year career working for the Minnesota Department of Corrections and the Broward County Florida Sherriff’s Department. At the apex of his Corrections Career, Chuck was the Jail Administrator of the 1,024 bed Conte Facility, a role he relished. He utilized his considerable leadership skills for the following twenty-three years as Vice President of Administration, working alongside his wife Terri, at  Mains’l Services, Inc. His love for Terri, people with disabilities, and his colleagues, led him to make a real difference in the lives of those he supported and with whom he served.

In 2002, Chuck made the first of many trips to Africa, initially on a family holiday, and subsequently with numerous Mains’l Mission Teams to Zimbabwe, which he loved. He delighted in playing with the children at Ethandweni Children’s Home, calling Bingo at Dete Old Age Home, building lion bomas, and participating in a variety of service projects over the years. During his illness, he was deeply humbled and touched by the prayers and messages of hope and healing he received from our mission partners and friends around the world.

Chuck was a man of deep convictions and unshakable faith. He was committed to his family, his church, his work, and making a difference. His passing has left an immeasurable hole in the hearts of those who loved him, and shoes which cannot be filled by a single person. He would ask each of us to live as he lived; faithfully, honorably, and joyfully, with integrity, immense kindness, and generosity. He would ask each of us to leave the world a better place for having lived.

There will be a Celebration of Life held at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 900, Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi, MN 55415 on August 18, 2023, at 2:00p.m. Visitation at the church one-hour prior with a dessert reception to follow. Memorials preferred to Friends of the Apostles Islands Fund, the Main’sl Foundation or Donor’s Choice.