Jacob Leonard Canova

Jacob Leonard Canova

On Saturday, April 8, 2023, Jacob Leonard Canova went home to be with Jesus. Jake was born on July 11, 1947 in Plaquemine, LA. He attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA and obtained an associate degree in Pre-Medicine/Pre-Medical Studies and a Bachelor of Science in Master Social Work. He also received an Executive Master of Business Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. Jake was the Director of the Department of Health and Human Services for the State of Louisiana, President and CEO of The Computer Company in Richmond, VA, CEO of First Health Inc. in Richmond, VA, CEO of CBSA Performax in Baltimore, MD, Chairman of Meritain Health in Buffalo/Niagra, New York area, CEO at Lagniappe Health in Fort Worth, TX, and CEO at RXInnovation in Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Jake’s hobbies included golfing, antiquing, and traveling the world with his wife. He was a member of The Dominion Club in Richmond, VA and is a member of the Cleveland Country Club in Cleveland, TN. Jake was also a member of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Richmond of Richmond, VA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Leonard Canova and Mary Witt Canova Levraea; and his brother, Joey Canova.

He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Ellen Tatum Canova; three sons, Derek Canova (Lori) of Geismar, LA, Don Tatum of Cleveland, TN, and Dean Tatum of Cleveland, TN; a daughter, Ashleigh Turner (Scott) of Kingsland, TX; seven grandchildren, John Blake Turner, Jacob Tyler Turner, Audrey Canova, Bailey Canova, Cailey Canova, Kyle Tatum and Colby Tatum; one great-grandchild, Ava Belle Canova; and a sister, Brenda Canova. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Jason D. Kennedy and his staff at CHI Memorial Hospital CVICU unit in Chattanooga, TN for affectionately caring for Jake.

Funeral service will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 18, 2023 in the chapel of Ralph Buckner Funeral Home with Pastor Lake Walker officiating.  Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens with Don Tatum, Dean Tatum, Kyle Tatum, Colby Tatum, Derek Canova, Peter Fianu, John Blake Turner, and Jacob Tyler Turner serving as pallbearers. A white dove release ceremony and the playing of bagpipes will conclude the service.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, April 17, 2023 at the funeral home. Additional visitation will be on April 18, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., prior to the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Bellefounte Baptist Church, First Baptist Richmond, in Richmond, VA, or charity of choice in his name.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Canova family guestbook at www.ralphbuckner.com.