Jacob C. Van Slooten was a man of character and quiet strength. His life is an example of real transformation. From a young age, he helped his father farm 100 acres in upstate New York. Eventually resettling in Florida, he worked in the same local business for 22 years. Jake was intentional about developing and investing in relationships with those around him. He was fun, committed, and securely comfortable in his own skin. Through his profession, Jake sought to mentor young people who needed a firm and encouraging guide in their career path. Jake made an impact wherever he went. By the end of his career, he was respected in the community as a man of integrity.

By this world's standards, Jake was a success, but the things of this world did not satisfy him.  Later in life, Jake had a burning desire to know God, so he began a faith journey that was confirmed in a strong commitment to Christ as his Savior and Lord. Since his first wife Karen had passed away, Jake's new faith walk led him to share life together with Maggie, his second wife. Together they moved to Southeast Asia, which was a tremendous leap of faith, but Jake felt he was only following his calling. He adapted to a new culture, learned a new language, and developed new friendships with people young and old. Jake's desire was for others to experience the same freedom that he had found.  After 3 years, his life was quickly ended by a rare autoimmune disease called HLH.

He was 61 years old and is survived by his wife, Maggie; mother, Mary; his siblings: Charlie and Debbie; as well as his stepchildren, Rachel and Ruben Almeida. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly, in-laws and lifelong friends from New York and Florida. Jake would want you to know that nothing in this world compares to the love and transforming power of knowing God.

A preacher once said "The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully surrendered to Him"  Some have gone before us and said "by God's grace, I'll be that man." Jake Van Slooten was one of them.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Dr. Rita Pechulis and her incredible team of doctors, the ICU nursing staff, and all who provided excellent care for Jake during his illness at the Lehigh Valley Health Network in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, Maggie requests that donations be made to support people and projects most dear to Jake's heart. Projects include internships and training for young people that Jake mentored in Southeast Asia, a scholarship for a disadvantaged boy, and future development opportunities. Donations can be mailed to Crosswalk, Attention "Jake Van Slooten's Memorial Fund," 77 N. Carpenter Road, Titusville, Florida, 32796 or online at http://www.crosswalkcc.org/jake-fund

A memorial service to honor Jake will be held at Crosswalk Community Church in Titusville on Saturday, September 30th, at 2:00PM.