Jake Wildschut was born in Delft, Netherlands, May 28, 1952. He arrived in California with his family when he was 4 ½ years old. During the Vietnam era, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Germany. While attending Fresno State he met his future wife, Janelle Boots. They were married in a church ceremony in August 1976.
After completing his Bachelor of Science in Agronomy in 1979, he remained in Fresno for a couple of years until landing a job with the California Department of Food and Agriculture as an inspector. This was his life’s profession. He retired after 31 years of service.
Through the years he enjoyed camping with family in the mountains or near the beach. He participated in a few half-marathons. After retirement he was a team member on Christian missions to Ethiopia, Malawi, Jordan, and Mexico. Jake loved playing the bass with his church worship band. While living in Reno he saw a need and started an after-school club with wonderful volunteers a couple of days a week to help children with homework, have fun, share a snack and to share his faith.
A few years after a cancer diagnosis, Jake and Janelle relocated to Tennessee. Besides regular treatment he later participated in a few clinical trials in Nashville.
Jake is survived by his wife, Janelle; son Jeb (Sherilyn); grandsons Corban and Blake Wildschut; son Seth (Jessica); grandsons Maverick and Ryker Wildschut; daughter Olivia Moschetti (Tony); and granddaughters Ivy and Zoe Moschetti. He is also survived by his brother, John, and sisters, Margaret and Barbie.
He was received into the Lord’s presence on Good Friday, 2026.
There will be a small, private celebration of life in Johnson City, Tennessee. He was buried in Mountain Home National Cemetery.
