Our long-time President and Executive Director, Henry S. (Jake) Cherry passed away on June 11, 2025, at the age of 86. He was the President of the Rescue Mission for over 25 years and oversaw all operations at the Mission over that time period. This included hiring and supervising staff, ensuring efficient day-to-day operations, maintaining service contracts, and overseeing all financial support from donors. He liked to boast “All bills paid!” in that the Mission did not owe anything and he also emphasized that we did it without any government support. In 2002, he was the primary site manager for the construction project which basically doubled the size of the Mission. The expansion project involved constructing a brand-new building consisting of a large dormitory room with 20 bunk beds, showers and toilets, a large, upgraded kitchen with walk-in freezer, and a dining room.
Jake was honored by the Northeast Independent School District in November 2017 on the Wall of Heroes at Heroes Stadium. A video was created featuring an interview with Jake that you can see HERE.
Jake touched the hearts of many homeless men and Mission staff who considered him a friend and mentor. He was a great man and dedicated completely to serving his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as well as the work of the Rescue Mission. He was a humble, loving and generous man, as well as a great storyteller. He will be greatly missed.
Jake’s services will be held on Tuesday, July 15 at 10 am. at St. David’s Episcopal Church, 1300 Wiltshire Ave, San Antonio.
Read Jake’s obituary HERE.
