Courtney Paige Amiss Jaacks

Courtney Paige Amiss Jaacks was born on March 4, 1944, and died on October 17, 2014, of that most heart-breaking disease, Alzheimer’s. Even during her illness, Courtney maintained her beautiful smile, her quick wit, and her love of singing and dancing. She fought the disease kicking and screaming, often with very loud and colorful language as her wonderful caretakers at Westminster Oaks can attest to. Courtney’s story cannot be told without including the love of her life, her husband of almost 50 years who died in 2011, Roger Henry Jaacks. They married when Courtney was just 19, in the town where Courtney grew up - Dubuque, Iowa. She had been attending Stephens College in Missouri and saw Roger while she was home for the summer. It didn’t take long for Courtney to decide that college was not for her – she and Roger were married 6 months later in December 1963. Courtney loved being a wife and homemaker. But even more, loved being a mother to her children Melissa and Michael, born in 1966 and 1969. Courtney and Roger lived in Racine, Wisconsin until 1973, when they permanently relocated to Tallahassee, Florida. They had a large social circle in Tallahassee – lots of friends from the neighborhood on Tralee Road and from Advent Episcopal Church. They partied like rock stars! Courtney was in PEO and the Junior League and volunteered for the church altar guild. Once her children were a little older, Courtney decided to go to work full-time at the Justice Administrative Commission, where she worked until she retired at age 62. Once Courtney retired, she and Roger had even more fun. They continued their very active social life – Wednesday night at Old Town Cafe, Friday night at the 19th Hole at Killearn Country Club, mornings at Steak ‘n Shake. But more importantly, lots of time spent with their twin grandchildren, Suzanne and Spencer, who were truly the lights of their lives. Courtney is survived by her children Melissa and Michael, her grandchildren Suzanne and Spencer, her sister Lindsay Barr, and her brother Chip Amiss. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Doryce Amiss. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Bevis Funeral Home in Tallahassee. The family will be holding a reception on October 26 from 2-4 at Westminster Oaks, Parry Center, Fireside Room. All friends are encouraged to attend and remember her life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Alzheimer’s Project or to a favorite charity.

Tributes

Courtney Paige Amiss Jaacks

March 4, 1944 - October 17, 2014