He was the eldest child of four children that survived infancy, born to Yegor Vasil'evich Netsvetov from Tobolsk, Russia, and Maria Alekscevna, an Aleut from Atka Island.

He married Anna Simeonovna, a Russian woman who may have been, like he was, of a Creole background, and in 1826 he graduated from the seminary with certificates in history and theology.

[5] With the completion of the church on Atka, Netsvetov turned to educating children, teaching them to read and write both Russian and Unangan Aleut.

After these events he petitioned his bishop in order to return to Irkutsk and enter a monastic life, a request that was approved a year later contingent on the arrival of his replacement.

[6] With his nephew Vasili Netsvetov and two young Creole assistants named Innokentii Shayashnikov and Konstantin Lukin.

For the next twenty years he learned new languages, met new people and cultures, invented another alphabet, and built more churches and communities.

[8] Troparion (Tone 4) O righteous Father Jacob, Adornment of Atka and the Yukon Delta; You offered yourself as a living sacrifice To bring light to a searching people.

Offspring of Russian America, Flower of brotherly unity, Healer of sickness and terror of demons: O Holy Father Jacob, Pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved.

Kontakion (Tone 3) O Holy Father Jacob, Teacher of the knowledge of God, You revealed your love for your people, Taking up your cross and following Christ, Enduring hardships like the Apostle Paul.

His legacy still goes on as many Russian descendants living in Alaska have family names that spring from 1800-1875 and follow the teachings of Saint Jacob Netsvetov in their day-to-day life.