J.A. "Jake" Rapert

J.A. “Jake” Rapert, 82, of Jonesboro, passed away at his home Sunday, September 6, 2009 after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was born August 26, 1927 in Randolph County to the late Normal R. and Bonnie Duff Rapert. He has lived in Jonesboro since 1989, moving here from Biggers, AR. He graduated from Maynard High School in 1946 and attended Southern Baptist College. He served 3 years in the Air Force.

While living in Biggers he worked for Natural Gas & Pipeline Co. of America as an Auxiliaryman for 34 years. He also worked as an electrician and was active in community affairs. He served on Farmers & Merchants bank board for 23 years and 12 years on Biggers-Reyno School board. He was a deacon in the Biggers Baptist Church and taught Sunday school for 25 years and served on many committees.

He became a member of First Baptist Church, Jonesboro, where he continued to serve as a deacon. He was actively involved in many areas, including the Care Center, where he served for 15 years. He made six overseas mission trips. Jake was preceded in death by a sister, Bonnie Boyett, a brother, Robert Rapert, a stillborn brother and a son-in-law, Dr. John Knight.

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Betty Jo Pierce Rapert of the home; four daughters, Melinda Knight, Michele McGinnis (Jim), and Margo Farris (Matt) all of Jonesboro and Monica Gibson (Dean) of Lavaca. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, Kristen Knight, Cody Knight, Micah Gibson, Emily Gibson Coleman, Jennifer McGinnis, Bradley McGinnis, Adam Farris and Lindsay Farris; one step-grandchild, Jeremy McGinnis, three great grandchildren and two soon-to-be great grandchildren. Three sisters, Tean Ray of Atlanta, GA, Carol Bobbitt of Mt. Home, AR and Nancy Early of Memphis, TN. Three brothers, Ryburn Rapert of Maynard, AR, Joe Rapert of Alexandra, VA and Jack Rapert of St. Charles, MO.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday at 11 am at First Baptist Church with Dr. Bruce Tippit officiating. Burial will be private at Jonesboro Memorial Park.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 5-7 pm at Emerson Funeral Home. Active pallbearers will be the grandsons.

Honorary pallbearers will be Deacons of First Baptist Church and Coed 10 Sunday School class.

Memorials may be made to the Dr. John Knight Baseball Scholarship Fund, c/o ASU Foundation, PO Box 1990, State University, AR 72467 or FBC Care Center, 701 S. Main St., Jonesboro, AR 72401.