Jerry Gaudet sent me news...……..
This is Jake's obituary from The Charlotte Observer.
Jacob Charles Barnhardt Jr. | |
Obituary
 Jacob Charles Barnhardt, Jr. (a.k.a., Jake, Dad, ole Granddad and others) died peacefully on Saturday, May 12, 2018. His legacy of 82 years will live on through his many wonderful contributions to his family and community. Those who were fortunate to know Jake had the opportunity to be entertained by his many stories. He particularly was known for his "brevity of and quick speech." No one could tell a story with as many details for as long as he could which was one of his special signatures. Jake was a long-time avid sailor and a member of the Lake Norman Yacht Club in Mooresville, NC. He provided the opportunity for his children and grandchildren to learn how to sail and race. After his retirement, he began building wooden boats. He was self-taught and the first ones that he built were for his grandchildren to learn how to sail. Each boat afterwards became more refined and classic. The last one was a stunning Herreshoff Coquina. Community service and helping those in need were very important values to Jake. He was a proud Eagle Scout which influenced him for the rest of his life. Jake was a board member, advocate and supporter of the Children's Hope Alliance in Barium Springs, NC. He also served on the Missions Committee at the First Presbyterian Church in Mooresville, NC as well as volunteered with the Mooresville Soup Kitchen until his death. In addition, he was a long-time donor to the United Way. At the end of each meal blessing, he would pray "please help us be mindful of the needs of others," another wonderful signature of his. What brought Jake the most joy and pride was his family: his loving wife, four children, eight grandchildren, three step-sons and 10 step-grandchildren plus more family in-laws. He lived for family gatherings at his Lake Norman home, especially the food, music and entertainment that always ensued. At some point during a gathering, each grandchild had to explain their goals in school and life and received a good 'ole Granddad' lecture. He provided each a compass of his values and expectations. It was his way of passing down his legacy and all his grandchildren adored him despite the lecturing. Jake was extremely proud of his grandchildren and wanted the best life for all. Jake was born in Charlotte, NC, to Jacob Charles Barnhardt, Sr. and Sara Johnston Barnhardt and was the older of two sons. He graduated from Central High School in Charlotte in 1954, then majored in textile engineering at the George Institute of Technology graduating in 1958. He served in the United States Navy from 1958-1960, then began his career at the Barnhardt Manufacturing Company in Charlotte, NC. In 1964, he was transferred to Mount Airy, NC, and worked at North Carolina Foam Industries (NCFI), a subsidiary and division of Barnhardt Manufacturing Company. He rose to serve as President at NCFI until his retirement in 2001. He then lived by Lake Norman with the love of his life enjoying sailing, building boats, helping others, family gatherings and telling many stories. Jake is survived by his wife, Amy Pitser Barnhardt, her three sons and their families; his children, Gwynn Barnhardt Sullivan, Virginia (Jennie) Johnston Barnhardt (Rodney Clay Sutton), Jacob McIntyre (Mac) Barnhardt (Kristina Von Cannon Barnhardt) and Caroline Barnhardt Stuart; grandchildren, Victor James Sullivan, Evan Gwynn Sullivan, Clay Barnhardt Sutton, Kelsey Barnhardt Sutton, McIntyre Lynn Barnhardt, Jacob Paul Barnhardt, William Meier Barnhardt, and Jesse Kuykendall Stuart; and his brother Jack Barnhardt (Patsy Barnhardt). Jake is preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law Trevor George Stuart. A memorial service to honor Jake's life will be held Saturday, May 19, 2018, at the First Presbyterian Church, Mooresville, NC, at 11 am. Visitation with the family will begin at 10 am in the church parlor and following the service, a light reception will be held in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, memorial donations may be made to the Children's Hope Alliance, Post Office Box 1, Barium Springs, NC, 28010, or www.childrenshopealliance. Cavin-Cook Funeral Home in Mooresville, NC, is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.
Funeral Home
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