Jacob “Big Jake” Rich, 80, passed away on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at St. Dominic’s Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi. Graveside services and interment will be 10 a.m. Thursday, October 2 at Evergreen Cemetery in Louisville, Mississippi, with Bro. James Edmond officiating.
“Big Jake” was born October 10, 1944, to Jacob Isaac and Mary Lane Rich. He enjoyed working with his hands, always fixing, building, or lending his skills wherever they were needed. Hard work was his way of life. He began his working life as a truck driver and, for more than 30 years, was a proud business owner, best known in the community for operating Jake’s Recycling. Above all else, “Big Jake” loved his family. He found his greatest happiness in time spent with those he loved. He was a storyteller and he loved sharing stories with his family and friends. His grandchildren held a special place in his heart; he cherished every moment with them. He will be remembered not for fancy words or grand gestures, but for the countless everyday ways he showed he cared. His presence will be deeply missed, but the lessons he taught by example will live on in the hands and hearts of those who loved him.
“Big Jake” is survived by his children: Melissa Dean, Melinda Salazar, Ellen Rich Martinez (Camilo), Jacob “Little Jake” Rich, and Leann Gonzalez. One of his greatest joys was being “Grandpa” to his 16 grandchildren: Jacob Dean, Jack Dean, Bronson Salazar, Miguel Salazar, Nick Cumberland, Seth Cumberland, Eva Rich, Cristofer Martinez, Isabella Martinez, Jacob Zach Rich, Samantha Doster, Charity Doster, Michael Garcia, Dylan Suarez, Marisol Gonzalez, and Payton Gonzalez; and his great-grandson, Jacob Cody Rich. He is also survived by his nieces, nephews, other family members, and many friends. “Big Jake” was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Marie Rich; his grandson, Paolo Salazar; his parents; and four siblings.
Serving as pallbearers are Jacob “Little Jake” Rich, Jacob Zach Rich, Nick Cumberland, Seth Cumberland, Cristofer Martinez, and Camilo Martinez.
Services are under the direction of Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.masseyfuneralhome.net.