Edouard J. Jacques, WWII Veteran, Dies at 92

Edouard J. "Eddie" Jacques, 92, of Spencer Street in Coventry, passed away at home on Tuesday, August 13, 2013 while surrounded by his loving family. Born in West Warwick, he was the son of the late Leon and Angelina (Demers) Jacques.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Marie Rose (Defosse) Jacques and sons; David and wife Susan of Moyock, NC, Edward and wife Lisa of Rochester, NY and Richard and wife Janet of North Kingstown. He was the grandfather of six and great-grandfather of nine. He was the brother of the late Diana Waters.

Eddie served as Captain in the Air Force during World War II. He flew 30 combat missions over Europe with 18 as Lead Bombardier. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and was recognized five times with the Air Medal of Valor. Recently he was appointed a Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor by President Hollande of France for his role in the liberation of France during WWII. He was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus.

Eddie spent more than 60 years representing several well-known insurance companies and was sometimes referred to as "Mr. Insurance Man". He was also known as the oldest living former Town Council President, the oldest member of the Coventry Democratic Town Committee, and former Chairman of the Coventry Housing Authority. He was presented with a certificate of appreciation from the Coventry Town Council in February 2013 for his service to the Town of Coventry. In February 2013 Eddie was presented the Rhode Island Silver Star by Governor Chafee and given the rank of Honorary Major in the RI Militia in recognition of his service to his community and his country.

His funeral was held Friday morning, with a Mass of Christian Burial in Our Lady of Good Counsel Church. Interment with military honors followed in the RI Veterans Memorial Cemetery. 

Click here to view Edouard's memorial page courtesy of Iannotti Funeral Home.