Jacob Both, Jr.

Jacob Both was born in Garfield, New Jersey on November 24, 1932 and died August 20, 2015 at Life Care in Sandpoint, ID. Jake was a 70-year resident of New Jersey where, at age 16, he began working in construction, owning his own company by age 20. Throughout his career, he was a hard-working master builder who specialized in custom homes and was well known for his dependability, superior workmanship, loyalty, and fairness. Jake married Linda Limberg on October 10, 1980. Together they dreamed of moving west and took many long trips looking for a perfect new life and home. In 2003, on the internet they found their dream home on School Road in Hope and purchased it sight unseen. They knew the spectacular lake view and gorgeous surroundings would be perfect for their new life. Jake and Linda quickly fell into “lake life” in Hope and, although the house needed much work, with Jake’s building talents and Linda’s designer eye for all things northwest, it soon became a showpiece. Jake loved living in Hope, taking walks with his dog Heidi, talking to neighbors, working in their beautiful flower gardens, and sitting on his deck being at home with the lake. In Hope, Jake was known as the “go to guy” when jobs needed to be completed. He helped neighbors and friends snowplow driveways, cut grass, fix plumbing and complete construction projects, from additions to decks. His skill, honesty, and work ethic kept him in demand in the community. In 2005 Jake began serving the Hope Memorial Community Center as a volunteer doing maintenance and repairs. He spent many long days and late nights keeping the center active and in good repair. He soon became Facility Manager for the center and a member of the Board of Directors. In 2007 Jake was asked to serve on the East Hope City Council and did so for three years. In March 2010 when East Hope’s previous mayor unexpectedly resigned, the quiet and unassuming Jake agreed to take over the reins as Mayor, where he dedicated himself to serving his community with the same work ethic and honesty that he showed throughout his life. While at the helm, Mayor Jake oversaw numerous projects and crises, including several water supply breaches and the Highway 200 traffic diversion through town. Besides countless cherished friends in Hope who will miss him dearly, Jake is survived by his wife Linda of Hope; his three sons: Bob (Karen) Both of West Milford, NJ, John ( Shirley) Both of Vernon, NJ, and Brent (Nessy) Fraser of Portland, OR; three grandchildren: Alison and Lisa Both of Vernon, NJ and Michael Both, NJ; sister Dorothy Vroom, Clifton, NJ; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial gathering for Jake was held at the Hope Memorial Community Center on Sunday, August 23rd. Donations and remembrances may be made on behalf of Jake Both to the Hope Memorial Community Center, 415 Wellington Place, PO Box 405, Hope, ID 83836; mccmail@frontier.com; www.memorialcommunitycenter.com; https://facebook.com/MemorialCommunityCenter.