Jacob Brisendine

Jacob  E. "Jake" Brisendine, of Swartz Creek ,died peacefully on January 28, 2021.  Jake was born  March 22, 1931, in Flint, Michigan, the son of Buster and Zell (Woodard) Brisendine. He married his high school sweetheart, Betty June Wallace, on May 1,1954;they raised 3 children, and were devoted to each other until her death in 2016.He was a loving, generous, supportive father whose children were proud to be known as “one of Jake Brisendine’s kids”. Jake graduated from Dye High School, and received a Bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University and a Master’s degree from the University of Michigan. He was a proud Thunderbolt and Bronco and a Wolverine fan, who loved to share his season’s tickets with friends if they would provide lunch.
After graduating from Western, Jake served as a Navy pilot from 1952-54. Flying remained a life-long love. After his stint in the Navy, Jake returned to Dye High School to teach and coach. He later taught at Bryant Jr High and was Dean of Students and Assistant Deputy Principal at Longfellow Jr High. He was principal at Swartz Creek Middle School from 1973-86 , touching the lives of thousands of students. He was respected as a fair and supportive boss, and held genuine affection for the people he worked with. He was a founding member of the Flint Township Lions Club, and worked with them for decades on community projects and raising funds for Leader Dogs for the Blind.  An athlete all of his life, Jake was active in sports through high school, and played football for both WMU and the Navy. He was a member of intercity softball, blooperball, and basketball teams and played well into his seventies. He loved reading and subscribed to 3 daily newspapers, and read every page. He was so intelligent and informed that his friends made him be “all-time reader” in Jeopardy games, so other players could have a chance to answer.
Known as Creek’s #1 Fan, Jake attended every game he could and wrote letters of praise and encouragement to many young athletes He had a VIP seat for Swartz Creek athletic events, where he cheered for the team and held court. He held a special love for the girls’ softball teams, and never missed a game or the chance to support them. The Jacob E. Brisendine Softball Complex was named in his honor.  He was a proud grandfather, who loved and enjoyed his grandchildren; they, in turn, adored and respected him. The recent birth of two great- granddaughters brought him even more joy. He is survived by his 3 children, Gary (Tina) Brisendine of Houston TX, Cheryl Pavkovich of Suttons Bay, Thomas (Candace) Brisendine of Homer; grandchildren, Aaron (Heather) Brisendine, Garrett (Chelsea) Brisendine, Kyle Brisendine (Joshua Smith) Christian (Kelsey) Pavkovich; great grandchildren, Elizabeth and Annabelle Brisendine.
Please gather with us as we celebrate the life of Jacob Brisendine on Sunday, April 30, from 2-5pm at Sharp’s Funeral Home in Swartz Creek. Bring your memories, pictures, and stories to share in this tribute to Jake. In lieu of flowers, Jake’s legacy may be honored by support of Leader Dogs for the Blind or The National Parks. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.