Class of 1965

Jessie “Jake” Gilbert Sr. is a lifelong Apex resident who attended Apex Consolidated High School and graduated in 1965. A three-sport athlete, Jake was a two-time co-captain in basketball, a starting catcher in baseball, and a 440 yard and a 880 yard relay runner on the track team.

After graduating from high school, Jake joined the United States Navy where he spent time in Cuba and Spain. After completing his time in the Navy, Jake returned home and started a family. Married for 54 years, he has five children, and all of his children attended Apex schools. Jake has been active in the Apex community as a youth sports coach and a member of the Saint Mary AME Church. In 1974, he started working for the Town of Cary and he eventually became the first African-American to attain the title of Superintendent and eventually Field Operations Manager and then Operations Coordinator. Jake’s success at the Town of Cary made an impact as he encouraged many in his community to become employed with the town. His work ethic and success became an inspiration for his children to serve. Jake has four sons and one daughter (Rodriguez, Jessie Jr, Jacques, Willis and Bianca). His son, Jacques, currently serves as the Mayor of Apex.