Scotts Hill — Born on his family farm in the middle of the depression, the baby of eight children. His parents, Luther and Nita raised their children to love each other and Jesus. His five sisters loved him so much he always thought he had six mothers. He left the farm after high school to join the United States Air Force and serve his country. This adventure took him across America, including a two year stay in Fairbanks, Alaska. After college, he came back home and found the love of his life, Shirley.
They married and moved to Columbia where they had their children, Shirena and Jay. Then life brought them to their next adventure in Wilmington. Jabe began his lifelong friendship with Dan and Bruce Cameron. He worked for the Cameron family for 44 years and then he retired to his own farm to spend his days riding a tractor or watching the wildlife.
Jabe was a 33rd degree Mason, served on the board for the Boy Scouts of America, the board of BB&T and was a member of numerous wildlife conservancy organizations. He also enjoyed sharing his whole hog BBQ with his family and friends.
He will be sorely missed by his wife of 59 years, Shirley, his daughter Shirena and son in law, Jonathan O’Donnell, and his grandchildren, Jake and Julie.
A celebration of life will be held at Wesleyan Chapel United Methodist Church, 10255 US-17, in Scotts Hill on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at 11:30am. The family will be receiving guests following the service in the fellowship hall. Memorials are requested to be made to Lower Cape Fear Life Care at 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, North Carolina 28401.
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