James “Jake” Nagode, 85, of Gurnee, went home to be with the Lord on October 20, 2021, at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. He was born on May 6, 1936, in Waukegan to the late Frank and Bernice (Dapkus) Nagode. On August 6, 1960, in Chicago, Jake married the love of his life, Jacqueline “Jackie” Boustead. He loved his Lord, his country, and his family and friends dearly. Jake was a Physical Education and Health Teacher mostly for junior high (middle school) and also elementary school. When Jake was in high school, he played football and baseball. He coached junior high basketball and helped coach the 1983 Waukegan West Baseball Team, where his son, Mark, was a pitcher; and they proudly won the state title. Jake worked in men’s retail, was a starter for a north shore golf club, and had a few other miscellaneous part-time jobs during college and after. He served in the Army National Guard, and was a member of City Club in Waukegan for many years. Jake loved to travel to many destinations, always planning for the next adventure. He had great times in Florida, took an Alaskan cruise, enjoyed fishing, and his summers in Eagle River, Wisconsin at his family lake house. Over the years, he had many weekend trips with dear friends, camping in the pop-up camper and now being with family for more special camping adventures with their campers. Jake loved music, had a great voice, and was in a choral group. He was so proud to have his boys carry-on with singing in their worship groups, and out-and-about as “Crooked Fences.” Jake took great pride in his boys, their families, and loved being part of their lives; always had lots of ideas and always planning something. He enjoyed reading, T.V., radio, taking walks, the outdoors, and doing the dishes (sometimes). He also liked to watch his grandbabies, enjoying all the stages of their busy lives from now, age 25-Natalie, 9-Anton (A.J.), 8-Emma, and 2-Sadie; they are a blessing. Jake always said when asked “How are you doing?” – “Not bad for an old guy.” He liked making people smile, which this always seemed to work. Jake brought many smiles, fun, joy, love, and blessings to all of us. In God’s time, we pray to be together again, enjoying eternal blessings. Jake is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Jackie Nagode; three sons, Michael Nagode, Mark (Melissa) Nagode, and Jonathan (Denise) Nagode; four grandchildren, Natalie, Anton “AJ”, Emma, and Sadie Nagode. A memorial visitation will take place on Saturday, November 6, 2021, from 10am-11am at Gurnee Community Church, 4555 Old Grand Avenue, Gurnee. The memorial service will follow the visitation at the church at 11am with Pastor Chris Stephens and Pastor Brian Walter officiating. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Gurnee Community Church or a charity close to your heart. Arrangements entrusted to Sambrano Funeral & Cremation, Gurnee. Please sign the guestbook at LAURASAMBRANOFUNERALS.COM; 847-571-7719.
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