Jacob "Jake" Cowee Rardin IV was born September 19, 1951 in Huntington, WV to Jacob Cowee Rardin III and Jane Galigher Rardin. He went to school at Saint Joseph's and later went to The Blue Ridge School for Boys where he played the keyboard and back up vocals in his band, "Realms of Reason." He attended University of South Carolina and Northwood Institute in Michigan. He then spent 25yrs in the auto business running one of the oldest Ford Dealerships in the country, Galigher Ford. There, he famously turned an empty office into a recording studio.

His true passion came after attending an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting 37 years ago. Upon finding true peace and sobriety, he went into recovery and dedicated his life to helping others from the bonds of alcoholism and drug abuse. He spent the latter half of his life speaking to those in rehab centers, prisons and detox centers about getting off of drugs and alcohol and connecting with God. His dedication to helping others is how most people remember him. He could always be found in a coffee shop or a meeting and was always a helping hand.

Jake was goofy. He loved to make children laugh. He always used funny voices, and encouraged his kids to follow their dreams. He was creative and always trying to foster creativity in others. He was a firefighter, pilot, musician, father, husband, grandfather, great grandfather, and a lover of apple pie with ice cream. He took a drawing class later in life, and he attempted every style of music. He prayed for everyone. He wished peace for all, and judged few. He lived many lives, yet knew who he was. He loved his youth and looked back on it fondly, but knew Boone, NC was where he was supposed to be. He was charitable, he was simple, and he loved his wife. Jake's faith in Jesus was the most important thing in his life and that faith was demonstrated daily as he loved whomever was in front of him be it an addict, a grandchild or a stranger. His desire was for all to find the hope and joy that he had found in Christ.

He is preceded in death by his father, mother and son, Jacob "Jack" Cowee Rardin V. He is survived by his wife, Bobbi C. Rardin; his two daughters, Sarah Hale Rardin and Jane Ashmore Rardin; his sisters, Mimi Vass, Amy Rardin, and Tulley Kellner; his stepchildren, Kelly (James) Dodzweit, Mark (April) Kesnig, Katie (Keith) Barreto, Kristen (Matt) Grasso, and Tamara (Michael) Bracken; 14 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Jake had a very special place in his heart for his grandchildren and loved them endlessly.

Please join us for a celebration of life service on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, between 12:30 - 2:30 pm at Harvest House Church, 247                     Boone Heights Drive, Boone, NC. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, P.O. Box 12268,               Newport News, VA, 23612.                                                                                                                                                                                              Jakes's passion was to see the addicted set free through the knowledge of Jesus Christ. His music and message can be free found at www.iworldband.org

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hamptonfuneralnc.com

Hampton Funeral and Cremation Service is in charge of the arrangements.