James “Jake” Gooch Sr., Lewes resident
James Richard “Jake” Gooch Sr., 86, of Lewes died Saturday, June 24, 2017 at Beebe Medical Center after a brief illness. Jake, as he was fondly called, was born Feb. 18, 1931, in Lewes to the late Earnest Sr. and Letha Agnes Daisey Gooch.
Jake was a lifetime member of St. Paul UM Church in Lewes until it was closed by the conference; he then became a member of Faith UM Church in Rehoboth, serving faithfully until his passing. Jake had been a Trustee, Methodist Men, Senior & Unity Men's Choir, and Building Fund Comm. Jake had a long and proud working career. Jake worked at Surf Cleaners, Lewes Quick Wash, Doxsee Clam Factory as night shift foreman, and lastly at Beebe Hospital in Lewes.
Jake's only son, James Jr., died shortly after birth, and his wife Louise Maull Gooch passed in 2011. Survivors include one son and daughter: Keith and Belinda V. Wildy; five grandchildren: Shaunte, Brian K., Brandin S., and Brienna T. Wildy, and Keenan Robinson; and 10 great-grandchildren; two brothers: Robert 'Bobby' Gooch and Ernest Allen; three sisters: Dorothy M. and Verdell Johnson, Bertie Banks, and Agnes Allen; and a host of nieces, nephews, his church family, many loved ones and friends.
Services will be at 1 p.m., Saturday, July 1, and friends may call from 10 a.m. until the service, at Friendship Baptist Church, 500 W. 4th St., Lewes. Arrangements by Miller Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Laurel, www.millerfuneralandcremation.com.
