Jacob
Otho Battieste, Jr. began his life’s journey on earth February 6, 1939, in New
Orleans, Louisiana and was the first-born son of Jacob Otho Battieste Sr. and
Ora Lee (Terrell) Battieste. His family later expanded to include his brother
Donald Battieste and sister Gwenda Blake. Jacob found the love of his life
Thelma Louise (Scott) and was married and had a passion to be a family man.
They expanded their family with all girls, beginning with Demetric
Battieste-Talley, Lemetric Battieste, Jacbulin Battieste Duckins and Rita Lee
Battieste. Jacob joins his mother (Ora Lee) and Father (Jacob Sr.), his brother
(Donald) and sister (Gwenda) and his two younger daughters (Rita Lee and
Jacbulin) in eternal rest.
Education/Military:
Jacob was a proud graduate of Capital Jr./Sr. High School in Baton Rouge, LA, later matriculating at Southern University before being called to enter the US Army during the Vietnam crisis. Serving his time as an Army Boat Operator for special mission combat, he was officially released after completing one tour. Jacob immediately left Fort Campbell, Kentucky and moved to California. Enrolled at Cal State Los Angeles, University finishing his BS degree and finally a master’s a degree Claremont College.
Careers:
Jacob started working at the noticeably early age of eight. He had it in his mind that he would support his family. He felt it was his duty as the ‘man’ of the house to take care of his single mother raising three children. He would do lawn work, work at what was called a “filling station” (called a gas station). As a teenager he became a lifeguard, without knowing how to swim :-), he would try anything to support the family. He would work several jobs, before landing the Standard Oil Corporation position where he was promoted to the manager training position in the Chemistry division, (aligning with his original major). Moving to the suburbs of Los Angeles, he worked side jobs, got contracts for maintenance services at banks, tree-trimming and Canoe making and so many other jobs, all while finishing the degrees. Upon completing his master’s degree, he entered the education profession as a history, math and ALC instructor at Alta Loma Jr. High School before retiring after 26+years.
Church & Community
Jacob had a lot of energy but understood his priorities to serve the Lord first. Many of his services extended to the communities but they were always driven by his desire to do ‘Kingdom’s Work.” Jacob planted his family in Los Angeles, CA after his discharge from the Army. The church he chose was New Hope Baptist Church in South Central Los Angeles and served there as a Deacon, Communion leader for the sick & shut-in, Boy Scout leader for the boys at church and the area, as helped to help develop boys into men. He served for over 12 years before he relocated his membership to First Baptist Church-Pomona, now Purpose Church.
At Purpose church he served in the following ministries: Deacon Board, Communion leader; Seniors and Single Mothers ministry, Tutoring; Prayer Room Leader; Holiday Drama productions (wiseman); the Bereavement ministry; the Gleaning ministry and Greeter. Always giving his time, talents, and treasures to further God’s Kingdom on earth.
Hobbies
Jacob loved many outdoor activities and past time. He loved farming and was proud to consider himself a country boy. Fishing both lake and deep sea was his joy; he was an avid RV’er, introducing the family to that type of outdoor lifestyle, starting off with a small camper and graduating to a 32ft motor home, which led to developing his extensive travels throughout the U.S. During the school breaks, he would pack up the family, going through enforcing his knowledge of US history. After the girls were nearly done with college, he and Thelma extended their travels overseas to places in Europe, South America, Alaska, Turkey, and a number of trips to Hawaii. When at home he was a true ‘farmer’, gardening, mowing, and moving earth and rocks with his favorite toys – tractors. Although, to his family and friends, his life seemed short, by all accounts, it was a fruitful, blessed and full life. His journey was a symphony of love, wisdom and stewardship and we were privileged to walk alongside him.
Jacob will live on forever in our hearts and leaves his legacy to be remembered by his wife of 64+ years, his daughters Demetric and Lemetric and grand-daughter Quinnlan, his son-in-law Robert Talley, his nephew Eric Battieste, his niece LaDonna Burks, his chosen God-sons Michael and Johnathan Green, Delbert Duckins, Phillip Davis and many other children he adopted in his heart, a host of close relatives, church family, classmates, and friends all over the world.
Education/Military:
Jacob was a proud graduate of Capital Jr./Sr. High School in Baton Rouge, LA, later matriculating at Southern University before being called to enter the US Army during the Vietnam crisis. Serving his time as an Army Boat Operator for special mission combat, he was officially released after completing one tour. Jacob immediately left Fort Campbell, Kentucky and moved to California. Enrolled at Cal State Los Angeles, University finishing his BS degree and finally a master’s a degree Claremont College.
Careers:
Jacob started working at the noticeably early age of eight. He had it in his mind that he would support his family. He felt it was his duty as the ‘man’ of the house to take care of his single mother raising three children. He would do lawn work, work at what was called a “filling station” (called a gas station). As a teenager he became a lifeguard, without knowing how to swim :-), he would try anything to support the family. He would work several jobs, before landing the Standard Oil Corporation position where he was promoted to the manager training position in the Chemistry division, (aligning with his original major). Moving to the suburbs of Los Angeles, he worked side jobs, got contracts for maintenance services at banks, tree-trimming and Canoe making and so many other jobs, all while finishing the degrees. Upon completing his master’s degree, he entered the education profession as a history, math and ALC instructor at Alta Loma Jr. High School before retiring after 26+years.
Church & Community
Jacob had a lot of energy but understood his priorities to serve the Lord first. Many of his services extended to the communities but they were always driven by his desire to do ‘Kingdom’s Work.” Jacob planted his family in Los Angeles, CA after his discharge from the Army. The church he chose was New Hope Baptist Church in South Central Los Angeles and served there as a Deacon, Communion leader for the sick & shut-in, Boy Scout leader for the boys at church and the area, as helped to help develop boys into men. He served for over 12 years before he relocated his membership to First Baptist Church-Pomona, now Purpose Church.
At Purpose church he served in the following ministries: Deacon Board, Communion leader; Seniors and Single Mothers ministry, Tutoring; Prayer Room Leader; Holiday Drama productions (wiseman); the Bereavement ministry; the Gleaning ministry and Greeter. Always giving his time, talents, and treasures to further God’s Kingdom on earth.
Hobbies
Jacob loved many outdoor activities and past time. He loved farming and was proud to consider himself a country boy. Fishing both lake and deep sea was his joy; he was an avid RV’er, introducing the family to that type of outdoor lifestyle, starting off with a small camper and graduating to a 32ft motor home, which led to developing his extensive travels throughout the U.S. During the school breaks, he would pack up the family, going through enforcing his knowledge of US history. After the girls were nearly done with college, he and Thelma extended their travels overseas to places in Europe, South America, Alaska, Turkey, and a number of trips to Hawaii. When at home he was a true ‘farmer’, gardening, mowing, and moving earth and rocks with his favorite toys – tractors. Although, to his family and friends, his life seemed short, by all accounts, it was a fruitful, blessed and full life. His journey was a symphony of love, wisdom and stewardship and we were privileged to walk alongside him.
Jacob will live on forever in our hearts and leaves his legacy to be remembered by his wife of 64+ years, his daughters Demetric and Lemetric and grand-daughter Quinnlan, his son-in-law Robert Talley, his nephew Eric Battieste, his niece LaDonna Burks, his chosen God-sons Michael and Johnathan Green, Delbert Duckins, Phillip Davis and many other children he adopted in his heart, a host of close relatives, church family, classmates, and friends all over the world.
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