Jacob C. Sheely, Jr.

Jacob “Jake” C. Sheely, Jr

Jacob “Jake” C. Sheely, Jr, age 93, of Carlisle, and formerly of Gardners and Shiremanstown, died surrounded by family on Thursday, September 19, 2019.  Jake was born on Saturday, December 5, 1925, in Shiremanstown to the late Jacob Charles Sheely, Sr and Ethel (Harbold) Sheely.   In addition to his parents, Jake is preceded in death by his brother, Harold E. Sheely; and his sister, Marie E. Doyle.

Jake’s survivors include his wife of 72 years, Dorothy S. (Starner) Sheely; his three children: Jacob C. Sheely, III and his wife, Martha, of Media, David W. Sheely and his wife, Christine, of Mechanicsburg ; and Laura E. Sheely of Carlisle ; three grandchildren: Kathryn S. Wheelock, Jeremy D. Sheely and Dana E. Sheely; his two great-grandchildren: Sophie M. and Patrick G. Wheelock; his sister: Florence S. Martin of Mechanicsburg; and several nieces and nephews.

Jake grew up in Shiremanstown and attended Mechanicsburg High School, graduating in 1943. He spoke fondly of outings to the family farm in Lower Allen Township and attending sporting events at the high school during his school years. He entered the US Army in 1944, serving in Europe as a Browning Automatic Rifleman, in the 65th Division, part of General George S. Patton’s 3rd Army. Following the end of the war in Europe, his division was intended for deployment to Japan, which did not occur due to the end of the war. He completed his military service in 1946 from Ft. Benning, Georgia. Jake and Dorothy were married on November 24, 1946. He was employed at the Shiremanstown State Bank and attended Central Pennsylvania Business School, later joining the Pennsylvania Department of Banking as a bank examiner. When Jake retired in 1987, his position was as Chief Bank Examiner. While residing in Shiremanstown, he was an active member of St John’s Lutheran Church, serving on Church Council and enjoyed gardening, especially cultivating his sweet corn.  After moving to Gardners, he attended Mt Zion Lutheran Church and was active in the choir while enjoying country views from his side porch. He enjoyed family activities, from picnics to hunting camps to travel, including trips to New England, to the New York World’s Fair as well as two trips to Europe. He enjoyed sports, especially watching professional football and basketball and was an avid pinochle player, especially with his father and brother after Sunday dinners, as well as a collector of local history.

All are welcome to join Jake’s family at his viewing on Saturday, September 28, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 12:00 p.m. at Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory, 37 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055; with Reverend David Clark officiating. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery in Mechanicsburg, where military honors will be presented by the Cumberland County Honor Guard. Jake’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 8 East Keller Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 immediately following the burial.

Contributions in celebration of Jake’s life can be made to his church, Mt Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4200 Carlisle Rd, Gardners, PA 17324.

Jake’s family has entrusted his care to Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Jake’s full obituary and sign his official guest book at Buhrig.com.