Jacob E Bays, 95, of Niles, passed away peacefully early Friday, February 6, 2026 at Brentwood in Niles. Jacob was born January 24, 1931 to James and Ellen Bays in South Bend, Indiana. They then moved to Niles. He married the love of his life, Barbara Pingel on November 18th, 1950. Together they lovingly raised three children.
Jacob is preceded in death by both parents, wife Barbara, brothers David Bays (Mona) and Donald Bays, son Donald Bays, daughter and son in law Carol and Lee Kurty, granddaughter Jennifer Bays Antisdel.
Surviving him are his daughter Judy Bays Brockway, brother James Bays Jr (Marilyn), grandchildren Shane Bays (Renee), Sarah Beckman, Michael Brockway (Lecia), Amy Larsen (Chad), Nikki Small (Michael), and fourteen great-grandchildren.
He grew up loving the game of baseball, and was a very talented pitcher. He played on Niles Viking baseball until he graduated from Niles High School in 1949. He then played on the Niles Independent baseball team, on the Berrien-Cass League with his brothers Jim and Dave Bays. They were on the first baseball team to play at Thomas Stadium and the first team to play a night game there. He also was drafted to the Chicago Cubs Minor League system in 1950 where he played briefly. He worked several years at Nibco in Elkhart, IN, in tool and dye until he retired in 1992.
Jacob was an avid fisherman and carpenter. He built a home in Cedarville, MI, where he lived briefly with his wife after retirement.
His biggest legacy was his family. He was kind, compassionate, and a proud father and grandfather. He loved family time, vacations to Cedarville spending time on the lake with his family and fishing. He also loved coaching his son in baseball, and he especially loved attending sporting events for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by many that knew him.
Jacob will be laid to rest at Silverbrook Cemetery with his wife at a later date. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2026 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM at the Niles F.O.P., 531 N. State Street, Niles, Michigan.
The family would like to thank Brentwood of Niles and Caring Circle Hospice for all of their compassionate care.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
Services
Celebration Of Life
Sunday, March 1, 2026 1:00PM – 3:00PM
Niles F.O.P. 95531 N. State, Niles, MI 49120