Ernest L. Jakes Sr. may not command the spotlight like his son, Bishop T.D. Jakes, yet his influence reverberates through one of the most prominent ministries of our era. A Mississippi native turned West Virginia entrepreneur, Ernest built a thriving janitorial and maintenance business that not only sustained his family but also uplifted his community. His life of quiet resolve and service forged a legacy that continues to inspire, most notably through the global impact of his son’s work.

Basic Information

Early Life and Career

Ernest L. Jakes Sr. hailed from Mississippi, a state rich in history but often lean on opportunity during his time. Relocating to West Virginia, he seized the chance to carve his own path, establishing a janitorial and maintenance business that grew into a regional success. Operating in the mid-20th century, Ernest faced the formidable challenges common to African American entrepreneurs—limited capital, systemic obstacles, and societal headwinds. Yet, through sheer determination, he turned his vision into reality. His company provided essential services while creating jobs, offering economic stability to his community and a reliable income for his family. This entrepreneurial triumph showcased not just business acumen but a resilience that would echo through generations.

Impact on Family and Community

Ernest Jakes’s legacy transcends profit margins; it’s rooted in his unwavering commitment to family and community. A man of principle, he instilled values of integrity, diligence, and generosity in his children—values that would later define his son T.D. Jakes’s ministry. His janitorial business was a lifeline for many, employing local residents and fostering a sense of collective pride. By prioritizing community empowerment, Ernest ensured his enterprise was more than a commercial venture—it was a catalyst for progress. This model of service-through-business left an indelible mark, setting a precedent for his family to follow and amplifying his influence far beyond his lifetime.

Legacy Through T.D. Jakes

Ernest Jakes’s most enduring contribution is the foundation he laid for his son, Bishop T.D. Jakes, whose ministry reaches millions worldwide. As noted in The Atlantic, Ernest’s entrepreneurial drive and service-oriented ethos directly shaped T.D. Jakes’s leadership philosophy. The bishop has often reflected on his father’s tireless work ethic, crediting it as the bedrock of his own mission to empower and uplift. When Ernest passed away in 1973 from a kidney ailment—leaving T.D. Jakes, then 16, to carry forward his ideals—the seeds of a global ministry had already been planted.

That legacy now spans generations. Ernest’s grandson, Jamar Jakes, upholds the family tradition as Director of Business Development for TDJ Enterprises, the media arm founded by T.D. Jakes. Jamar’s role reflects the same entrepreneurial spirit Ernest embodied, bridging business and service in a modern context. Further insight into this lineage can be found at The HistoryMakers, which chronicles T.D. Jakes’s rise and his father’s foundational role.

Though Ernest’s life ended over five decades ago, his influence remains vibrant. His emphasis on hard work and community welfare lives on in his son’s sermons and his grandchildren’s endeavors, proving that true leadership need not be loud to be lasting.

FAQ

Who was Ernest Jakes?

Ernest L. Jakes Sr. was a Mississippi-born entrepreneur who ran a successful janitorial and maintenance business in West Virginia and fathered Bishop T.D. Jakes, shaping a legacy of service.

What did Ernest Jakes do for a living?

He founded and managed a regional janitorial services company, providing steady employment and contributing to his community’s economic stability.

How did Ernest Jakes influence his son, T.D. Jakes?

Through his dedication to entrepreneurship and service, Ernest instilled values that guided T.D. Jakes to build a ministry focused on empowerment and community support.

When did Ernest Jakes pass away?

Ernest Jakes died in 1973 from a kidney ailment, leaving behind a teenage T.D. Jakes who would later honor his father’s legacy on a global stage.