Jacques P. Debets
September 26, 1941- January 26, 2025

Early in the morning on Sunday, January 26, 2025, Jacques Debets passed away peacefully with his family around him, in his home, in Fortuna, California. He was 83 years old. Born September 26, 1941, Jacques (birth name: Johannes Jacobus Pietres) was the first born son of parents Johannes Debets and Hendrika van Kraiij of Kerkrade, The Netherlands.

Jacques and his family bravely immigrated to Fort Wayne, Indiana on a Catholic sponsorship in 1956. After completing high school, he immediately joined the United States Marine Corps. The military offered the promise of citizenship, education and the opportunity to see the world — and they did not disappoint. From Vietnam to Waikiki, Hawaii, Jacques told stories of incredible adventures and many valuable experiences during his military service.

While on leave in Hawaii, he met and later married his first wife, the late Shirley Sesna (1941-2021), a native of Fortuna, California. Jacques fell in love with the beauty and lifestyle he could build in Humboldt County with land, horses, a family, and a vibrant community. Shirley and Jacques moved to Fortuna with their baby daughter, Jacqueline, in 1966. Jacques utilized the GI bill to further his education, while pursuing a career in real estate. He was given a start with broker, and mother-in-law, Ruth H. Sesna. Jacques expanded his real estate business with close friend and investor-partner, Frank Rohner (1927-2007). Jacques and Shirley started their American Dream with 10 acres, designed and built an iconic home, rode horses, raised cattle, and spent summers at Ruth Lake, until their divorce.In 1979, Jacques married his second wife, Ineke Botschuijver, also a native of The Netherlands, and together they raised two daughters (Jasmijn and Janne) and one son (Jonathan), all graduates of Fortuna High School and living locally. Together, Jacques and Ineke embarked on an extremely active life in a house full of children participating in all of their many activities. He never tired of hearing “Hey Dad, watch this!”

Jacques was a competitive athlete, keeping in shape well into his eighties — Judo, water skiing, windsurfing, horseback riding, snow skiing, 4-wheeling, weight training, soccer, tennis, jogging, triathlon, and yoga are just a few of his athletic pursuits. For many years, he played tennis, along with Ineke. A few of his tennis comrades called his strong legs “redwood tree stumps.” Jacques loved his career as a real estate broker and especially mentoring new agents. He touched many lives and formed many lasting relationships through his work. He was a proud member of the Humboldt Association of Realtors since 1967, served on many boards and committees, and completed two residential housing developments in Fortuna. His American dream was fully realized when he completed his first residential housing development, Rancho Buena Vista, and moved his young family into a second house of his own design.

Jacques was a man full of optimism and could visualize opportunity. Those who knew him, enjoyed a friend who was always up for a good time, jumping at almost any opportunity that came his way. He was known for his year-round evenly bronzed tan, bright blue eyes, love of food, music, and dancing, and his unique humor. He was a man who loved his family and lived life to the fullest, taking his young family on winter adventures to Baja to play and fish in the warm sand and surf, and enjoy relaxed time away from work.

Ruth Lake became a home away from home for Jacques, his family and extended community of friends. He and Shirley were among the first to water ski on Ruth Lake when the first campground opened in the 1960’s. Every summer after, many hours were dedicated to boating, swimming, fishing, and teaching people to water ski. He loved each of his five grandchildren, especially swimming with them, telling stories around the campfire, and fishing. He never tired of hearing “Hey Opa, watch this!”

An artist early in life, Jacques rediscovered his love for drawing and painting his favorite places from his childhood, Humboldt County, and his family. Jacques stayed active in the community attending events and serving on boards, practicing his art, and attending his grandchildren’s various sports games. He was proud of his family, military service, real estate career, and art, but nothing compared to the pride he had for his five grandchildren. Seeing them love Ruth Lake life as much as he did was the crowning jewel of his American Dream. Jacques’ legacy lives on through them — athletes, friends, adventurous opportunists, and unseasonably tan.

Jacques was preceded in death by his beloved father, Johannes Debets, mother Hendrika van Kraiij Debets, and brother, Michael Debets, as well as his first wife Shirley Sesna (mother of Jacqueline Debets).He is survived by his wife, Ineke Botschuijver-Debets; his children, Jacqueline Debets (Richard Bend), Jasmijn Kozlowski (Johnny Kozlowski), Marianne Janne Rasmussen (Brandon Rasmussen), and Jonathan Debets; his grandchildren, Johnny Kozlowski, Luc Bend, Jameson Kozlowski, Dean Rasmussen, and Clay Rasmussen; his brother John Debets, sisters Denie Schach (Steve Lewis) and Carol Paris (Brian Paris), sister-in-law Cindy (Debets) Smeltzley, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

He was especially grateful to the medical care offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Providence Hematology Oncology, Medicare, and end of life care provided by Hospice of Humboldt.

Join us, not in mourning for the end of life, but in celebration of a life fully lived — turn on some Elvis Presley music, put on a cowboy hat, and proost to Jacques Debets.

A service will be planned for a later date. If you would like to attend, please email jacqueline.debets@gmail.com to be put on a list for invitations.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Jacques Debets’ loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.