Jenna Leigh Jakes

Jenna Leigh Jakes, 37, of Jacksonville, FL, was granted her angel wings on March 11, 2022. Born in Atlanta, GA on July 31, 1984, she moved with her family to Jacksonville, FL in 1986. Jenna graduated from Sandalwood High School in 2002 and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from The University of North Florida in 2007. After graduation, she studied under a Professional Engineer (PE) for four years and passed a rigorous exam to earn her PE license. She was a registered PE in both Florida and Texas, working as a structural engineer specializing in bridge design. Jenna worked on many notable projects to include the rehabilitation of the historic Bridge of Lions in St. Augustine and was also the lead structural engineer and Engineer of Record for multiple bridges on the Overland Bridge Project in Jacksonville.

Jenna was a selfless team player and humble about her many achievements, rarely speaking of them and preferring to stay out of the spotlight. She lived an accomplished, purpose driven life and took great pride in her work and family. She had an unfailingly generous heart and a passion for giving, conservation, animals and math. She was funny and shared many inside jokes with family and friends. Jenna enjoyed family game nights, the beach and gardening, however her greatest joy was the time she spent with her daughter, Gianna, whom she described as ‘her heart’. She loved fiercely and deeply and we take comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, surrounded by light.

She is survived by her beloved daughter Gianna Reynolds, mother Sandra Peverill (Michael), father Rusty Jakes (Cheri), sisters Andrea ‘Rose’ Jakes, Laurie Foret and Janae Peverill, brothers Alex Peverill and Cody Jakes, nephews William ’Wilbur’ Foret, Armon Vartanian, Roman Rocha and Max Guttmann, niece Ayannah Guttmann, very best friend Natasha Griffin, goddaughter Mari Williams, godson Camden Griffin and a host of other grieving family and friends. She is also survived by her chihuahuas, Sapphire, Diamond and JJ and her ball python snake, Diego.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Jenna’s honor at Beaches Chapel by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 1701 Beach Blvd, Jax Bch, at 11am Saturday, April 30, 2022.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10-11am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The UNF Alumni Association.

Memories of Jenna and condolences to the family may be shared online at hardage-giddensbeacheschapel.com.

Arrangement are under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME In Jacksonville Beach FL.