Eskew, Gerald "Jake"

Gerald "Jake" Eskew passed away on Monday, September 19, 2016 at Asante Rogue Regional Hospital after suffering an accident in his home. He was born March 12, 1932 to Lee Roy and Dorothy Eskew in Coldwater, Kansas. As a young child in 1938, Jake’s family migrated to Oregon while the dust blew across the prairies of Kansas and the Great Depression took its toll. Gold Hill became home and Jake attended school there until joining the Navy in 1951. After four years of service, Jake attended Oregon State University, graduating from the School of Engineering. He married Phyllis Hazelhurst of Portland and immediately accepted a job in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he made his home for 40 years. After working for large corporations, he formed his own company, building homes and shopping centers throughout New Mexico and neighboring states.

Jake later married Norma Murphy Whetstone in 1981. Together they moved to Shady Cove, Oregon, where they lived for the past 16 years. Upon his return to Oregon, he settled on the banks of the Rogue River, where he enjoyed watching the river surroundings and wildlife.

Jake was a remarkable artisan, able to build or re-model anything, excelled in the making of furniture, pine needle baskets jewelry, paintings and occasionally sewed beautiful clothes for his wife or upholstery for the furniture. The produce from his gardens was shared with many.

Jake is survived by his wife Norma of 35 years, his sons, Mike Eskew (Trisha) and Jim Eskew (Sydnie) of Albuquerque, four grandchildren and six great grandchildren. His surviving siblings are Duane Eskew, Roseville, CA; Beth Ness (Doug), Trail, OR; Donna Johnson (Don), Central Point, OR and Larry Eskew (Terrie), Santa Maria, CA. He was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Roland Eskew.

Jake will be interred at the Eagle Point National Cemetery. The service will be held on the premises and led by Rev. Dann Houghton of the Shady Cove United Methodist Church on Wednesday, September 28th at 11:00 a.m. Jake may be honored with a contribution to a charity of your choice.