Brian Peter Jakes Sr.'s Obituary
Brian Peter Jakes, Sr., age 86, of Mandeville, Louisiana, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. He was born on September 27, 1939, in Syracuse, New York.
He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Beverly Jane Gidman Jakes; children, Brian Peter Jakes, Jr., Brian Patrick Jakes (Tosha), Kelli Rae Jakes; stepchildren, Trish Liscomb (Todd), Suzie Talbot (Tim); 14 grandchildren, Jaimie Bailey (Evan), Kaitlyn Jakes, Luci McCumsey, Bella McCumsey, Caroline McCumsey, Jack Rogers, Brooke Rogers, Bradlee Rogers, Madison Talbot, Alaina Talbot, Lindsey Stanley, Haylie Stanley, Blake Liscomb, Holly Hoover; and 1 great-grandchild, Scarlett Bailey. He is also survived by his twin sibling, Brenda Sweetapple, and many extended family members and friends who were touched by his guidance and kindness.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Ewart Jakes and Edna Strong Jakes; sibling, William Ellsworth Jakes, and former spouse Luci Spallino Jakes.
Brian Jakes was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran, businessman, and community leader. His life was marked by service, leadership, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others throughout Louisiana and beyond.
Brian served as Chief Executive Officer of SELAHEC beginning in 1993 and dedicated decades to advancing healthcare access and community health initiatives across the region. He previously served as Associate Director for the South Louisiana region AHEC Program Office for the LSU School of Medicine and remained deeply involved with LSU throughout his life. He most recently served as Board Chair of the LSU Health Foundation. A respected civic and healthcare leader, Brian served as President of St. Tammany National Bank for 10 years and held numerous leadership roles, including Board Chair of Highland Park Community Hospital, Chair of the Louisiana Public Health Institute, Chair Emeritus of the Louisiana Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), and founding member of Support Our War Heroes. He also served as a public arbitrator for FINRA. Brian’s passion for education and mentorship was evident in his extensive involvement with LSU School of Medicine admissions, where he served on both the New Orleans Admissions Committee and the Rural Scholars Track Admissions Committee. In recognition of his dedication, he was named an Honorary Alumnus of the LSU Medical Alumni Association in 2006.
He was a proud graduate of Ohio University where he was Beta Chapter President of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, and completed graduate studies at the University at Buffalo. Brian honorably served his country as a United States Army Captain veteran and later as a Colonel with the Louisiana State Guard. He also served as past chair of a Louisiana Governor’s Advisory Council and as a West Point admissions liaison officer. His distinguished military support and advocacy earned him the ESGR Lifetime Achievement Award.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Brian was known for his love of family, curiosity, warmth, and love of history. He was an avid World War II history enthusiast who could spend hours reading, discussing, and sharing stories from that era. He greatly enjoyed traveling, especially taking cruises, exploring new places with family and friends, and spending time at his Destin condo. He also loved going out to dinner, especially at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. He also enjoyed sharing meals, conversation, and laughter with those closest to him.
Brian will be remembered for his wisdom, steady leadership, generous spirit, love of family, and deep dedication to his community and country. His legacy of service and compassion will continue to inspire all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mr. Jakes may be made to LSU Health Foundation or The American Heart Association.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services on Monday, June 1, 2026, with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 West 21st Avenue, Covington, Louisiana. Services will follow at 11:30 AM. Interment will follow at Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, 34888 Grantham College Drive, Slidell, Louisiana.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home of Covington, Louisiana, is honored to be entrusted with the funeral arrangements. The Jakes family invites you to share thoughts, memories, and condolences by signing an online guestbook at https://www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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