Michael Joseph Jakubisin

Michael Joseph “Big Mike” Jakubisin was born in Cleveland, Ohio on May 17th, 1947. He was the eldest child and only son of Elizabeth Gertrude (Fecko) Jakubisin and Michael Vincent Jakubisin.

Mike spent his childhood playing baseball, looking after his identical twin sisters and serving ice cream at Malley’s Ice Cream Parlor. In 1965, he became a proud graduate of St. Ignatius High School. He continued his education at Bowling Green State University where he studied English and was a rowdy member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity.

Upon completing his studies at BGSU he joined the ranks of IBM. In 1970, he married his one true love, Carol Jane Clapp, and they proceeded to have two spirited daughters, Elisabeth and Emily. For the next 42 years, they carved out a full and rewarding life together in Zionsville, Indiana.

Mike coached his daughters from soccer sidelines and occasionally disqualified them at the ZSC swim meets he officiated. He served as the Board President of the United Way of Central Indiana, Board Chair of the Indiana State Museum, Committee Member of the 1987 Pan-Am Games, Member of the Zionsville Youth Soccer League and in 1989 was named Sagamore of the Wabash by then-Governor, Evan Bayh. However, one of his most distinguished roles was that of commissioner, host and occasional champion of the annual Myrtle Beach Golf Trip (1980-present) and Big Mike Invitational (1994-present).

After 25 years with IBM, he transitioned to the role of Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development for the State of Indiana and then finished his professional career as a business consultant.

Upon retirement, Mike spent countless days on the golf course, in his work room crafting bookshelves and toy chests, traveling the world with Carol and spending precious time making memories as a Papa to his five adoring grandchildren.

A 40+ year member of St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church, he expanded his involvement beyond usher and became a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Assembly No. 3551 where he was a past Faithful Navigator and a member of the Honor Guard. He was an active member of Knights of Columbus, Council No. 12510 where he served on the golf committee and rolled up his sleeves as a line cook thawing hundreds of pounds of cod for their Lenten fish fry.

Mike was known for many things, most notably his warmth, work ethic and wit. He loved to laugh, was an expert omelet chef and was the creator and perfecter of the “feel good hug”. His peaceful passing on February 22, 2022, surrounded by his wife and daughters, brings to close a life full of love, laughter, friendship, and faith – he will be sorely missed.

Michael leaves his beloved wife of almost 52 years, Carol Jane (Clapp) Jakubisin; daughters Elisabeth Ann (Jakubisin) Purdy (Ryan Scott Purdy) and Emily Jane (Jakubisin) Burford (David G. Burford, Jr); sisters Jacqueline (Jakubisin) McKee and Judith (Jakubisin) Terrell; grandchildren Jacob Dolan Purdy, Riley Jane Purdy, Peyton Elizabeth Purdy, Judah Michael Burford and Jethro David Burford, and a sea of nieces, nephews, good friends, and golf buddies.

A viewing will take place on March 4th, 2022 from 3pm- 6pm at Flanner and Buchanan – Zionsville. A Funeral Mass will begin at 11am Saturday, March 5th, 2022, at St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church in Zionsville, IN.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that financial gifts be made to the Knights of Columbus Assembly 3551 and sent ℅ St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church, 1870 West Oak Street, Zionsville, Indiana 46077.

Livestream may be found here: https://zionsvillecatholic.com/livestream