Evansville Marine loses legs while grandfather dies
Photo 
Jacob Janes
Photo
Jacob Janes in Afganistan.
EVANSVILLE — Stacey Schumacher was trying desperately to get a message to her son in Afghanistan: His grandfather, who helped raise him, was dying in Janesville.
So when she got a call from a Marine sergeant Friday, she figured the message had gotten through.
She was unprepared for what she heard.
“He goes, ‘Ma’am, no, your son was involved in an explosion,’” Stacey said.
That’s how Stacey and her family learned her son, Cpl. Jacob “Jake” Janes, Evansville, had been seriously injured in Afghanistan.
Janes, 23, had both his legs amputated below the knees after stepping on an improvised explosive device, Stacey said.
That wasn’t the end of the bad news: That night, Stacey’s father, Leo “Dutch” Schumacher, died.
“If we weren’t a close family, I don’t know how the heck we’d ever handle this,” said Brian Schumacher, Stacey’s brother and Janes’ uncle.
Janes was close to his grandfather, family members said.
Though Stacey lives in Janesville and Janes’ father, Rod Janes, lives in Delavan, he stayed with his grandparents when he came home on leave.
In fact, Janes said his worst fear was that his grandfather would die while he was overseas, Brian said.
Janes’ grandfather pressed on him the importance of service growing up. When terrorists attacked the United States on Sept. 11, 2001, Janes immediately decided to enlist, Stacey said.
“He’s standing in the kitchen, he’s a freshman (and) he said, ‘Mom, I’m signing up,’” she recalled. “He said ‘Yes mom, I’m going to be a Marine. I need to do my part.’ ”
Janes volunteered to serve first in Iraq and a year later in Afghanistan. He was named the Marine of the Quarter in Alpha Company of the Second Combat Engineer Battalion in early 2008.
The entire family was proud of him and carefully followed his career, Stacey said.
“We call it ‘the Jake Train,’” she said. “Everybody’s on the Jake Train.”
He left for Afghanistan Nov. 5, 2008, and had two weeks to go when he stepped on the IED, Stacey said.
Now, the family is preparing to comfort each other and take care of Janes during this double blow. Friends and family plan to set up a fund for Janes through Blackhawk Community Credit Union, Brian said.
Janes talked to Brian and Stacey from Germany on Friday. His sounded like his usual, cheerful self, they said.
“He said ‘OK, I’m not going to lie, Mom. I’ve been better. But I’m OK,’” Stacey said.
He could leave Germany for the United States as soon as today, Stacey said. She didn’t know Saturday where they’d take him, but she knew she’d be by his side.
“He knows his mom will beg, borrow, or steal,” she said. “His mom’s going to be there.”
Relatives know it will be a hard road for Janes when he returns, but they believe he’ll eventually resume his old life.
“Jake was a big outdoorsman, and I’m sure that it’s not going to be long before he’s out there again,” Brian said.
HOW TO HELP
Cpl. Jacob Janes’ family encourages the community to send Janes messages of support at usmc4049@yahoo.com. The family also plans to set up a fund to take care of Janes’ needs at Blackhawk Community Credit Union.
May 16, 2009 at 5:08 p.m.
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i would if you would post when and where?
May 13, 2009 at 8:28 p.m.
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Hey all-
Put your money where your mouth is. Attend the benefit dinner for this fine marine , hosted by the boy and girl scouts, in Evansville. Give generously.
Apr 10, 2009 at 10:03 p.m.
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Thank you for your service to our country.
Metromiltons youngest brother just returned from Iraq and has now retired from the Army. I congratulate him and all of the other men and women in the armed forces.
Remember this.....all gave some, some gave all.
Apr 8, 2009 at 7:29 a.m.
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Cpl Janes-May god bless you and your family after these tough times and thank you for keeping this country safe!
Apr 6, 2009 at 8:55 p.m.
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Marvin, Jodi and Travis....never mind...I know exactly who you are, it just took me a min...my brains not working the best right now.....I'll get Jake the message that your thinking of him and I'll tell him Travis wants to see him when we get him home....I'm sure that wont be a problem at all!
Apr 6, 2009 at 8:49 p.m.
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Thank you all for your kind thoughts and prayers! I'm feeling better to know he's in Germany. A man there who I talked to had personally spoke to jake and said he's in good spirts...he liked him he said...except for him being a Packer fan.LOL...so I know Jake's doing well if he's saying things about being a Packer fan and such. I'm waiting for the wounded warriors to contact me anytime to go to Bethesda to meet Jake..who will be ariving there tomorrow night aprox 8pm. They told me today all of Jake's labs,vitals etc were perfect except he was low on blood and they gave him some. Again...thank you all for your thoughts and Prayers!....Dawn..A special thanks to you too!...Travis I don't know who you are....fill me in so I can get Jake a message when I see him!
Stacey
Apr 6, 2009 at 9:11 a.m.
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I would like to extend my most sincere thank you to Jake for his service and sacrifice for our country. He is a true American Hero and our prayers are with you in this most difficult time. GOD BLESS Jake and his family.
Apr 6, 2009 at 12:22 a.m.
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Jacob....HERO,
Thank you for your service and for what you and your guys are doing in Afghanistan. My son was there and I know you are making a difference. Over the past two years, I have developed great respect and love for the United States Marine. You guys are strong and tough and faithful, and I am guessing you will face this unexpected turn in your life with the same courage and determination that is displayed in training and on the battlefield. My heart is with you and your family. -MN Marine Mom
Apr 5, 2009 at 4:26 p.m.
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Thank you for keeping my family safe. Never give up!
Apr 5, 2009 at 2:43 p.m.
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Im at a loss for words. What a terrible time for this family. Condolences on the loss of Mr. Janes grandfather. And Mr. Janes thank you sir. You are a true American HERO!!!
Apr 5, 2009 at 2:28 p.m.
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Thank you sir, for making the sacrifice that many are not willing to make. I hope you'll be walking on new legs in no time. Marines like you are making a difference in Afghanistan...
Apr 5, 2009 at 1:35 p.m.
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Stacey, Jake, and your families,
You are in our prayers and will continue to be in our prayers. I know that you are going through alot of suffering right now but God will guide you through all of this. We are here to help in anyway we can and look forward to seeing Jake when he returns home! God Bless all of you.
The Cronins
Apr 5, 2009 at 6:40 a.m.
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Rod & Stacey - We're all praying for him. I know no one, that has the utter will power to make this work out more than your son. Tell "Demo" he's still tougher than Phil!
Apr 5, 2009 at 5:57 a.m.
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Stacey , Rod and Jake ;
We are very sorry to here about the loss of Jake's legs and the loss of Grandpa. We will support Jake in any way that will help. Travis has wondered where Jake is and He would like to see You all soon ! Give us a call .Marvin , Jodi and Travis
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