William “Bill” “Jake” Leo Jacques, age 92, a resident of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at Schuyler County Nursing Home in Queen City, Missouri. Bill was born on June 23, 1932, in Novinger, Missouri, to Leo Robert Jacques and Alice Pauline (Robb) Jacques. He graduated from Novinger High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1957 and a Master of Arts in Secondary Guidance and Counseling in 1962, both from Northeast Missouri State College (now Truman State University). He contributed to the advancement of mathematics education by assisting in the revision of the
state’s mathematics education guide.
Bill proudly served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1955, where he received a diploma through The Signal School. On October 9, 1955, in Kirksville, Missouri, Bill married Jeanette Marie Epperson, who preceded him in death on October 30, 2007.
He was well known in the Chillicothe community as a dedicated high school math teacher for many years, where he inspired countless students. Bill also served as the pool director, a position where he made a lasting impact on many families in the area.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jeanette, two sons, David Jacques and Henry Jacques, and his identical twin brother, Robert Lee “Bob” Jacques.
He is survived by his daughter, Sandi Jacques, of Chillicothe, Missouri, as well as four grandchildren: Monica (Hinnen) Burton and husband, Erik, of Independence, Missouri; Candice Jacques of Nashville, Tennessee; Jessica (Hinnen) Latta and husband, Justin, of Independence, Missouri; Luke Jacques and wife, Savannah of Overland Park, Kansas; and six great-grandchildren. He also leaves several nieces and nephews, as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. Bill was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, where he served as a deacon/elder for many years. Bill will be remembered for his dedication to education, his love for family, and his quick wit and sense of humor.
Graveside services will be held at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. A scheduled visitation will be held at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Monday, March 17, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friends may call at Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Monday, March 17, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Veterans Administration, and may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601.
Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.
