Rev. Jacob Daniel Deshazer
November 15, 1912 - March 15, 2008
SALEM - Jacob "Jake" DeShazer went to be with Jesus on March 15. Born on Nov. 15, 1912 in Salem, Ore. He grew up on a wheat farm in Madras and graduated from Madras High School in 1931. Jacob participated in the 1942 Doolittle Raid over Tokyo, Japan during World War II. His crew was captured by Japanese forces and Jacob survived 40 months as a prisoner of war. Upon his release, he attended Seattle Pacific College and married Florence Matheny in 1946. After graduating 1948, they moved to Japan as Free Methodist missionaries, returning to the States so Jacob could finish his Master's of Divinity degree at Asbury Theological Seminary in Kentucky. For 30 years, Jacob and Florence spread the message of Christ's salvation, love and forgiveness, helping to start 23 new churches throughout Japan. Jacob is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Florence; sister, Helen Hindman of Iowa City; 5 children; 10 grandchildren; and 6 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 9 - 11 a.m. on Sat., March 29 at Restlawn Funeral Home with a graveside service to follow. Later that day, a memorial service to celebrate Jacob's life will be held at 2 p.m. at the Salem First Free Methodist Church.
Donations in honor of Jacob DeShazer for the work of World Missions may be sent to the Salem First Free Methodist Church, 4455 Silverton Rd. NE, Salem OR 97305.