Jake McConnell Obituary

Jake was my very first friend in life. Him and I would play in his backyard. We played Pokemon when it first came out. I saw Jake the last time in 2013. I wish I had known that last time I saw him. I live my life in the arts now. I know Jake is with me every single day, I think of him often. Anytime I'm being creative, I think of what Jake offered this world as a person and artist. You're not gone, you're still here.

I still think about you, Jake McConnell. We sat beside each other, expressed our mutual interests on occasion, and then you were gone. Your favorite actor was Harry Dean Stanton. You did a great Hunter S. Thompson impression. You were the only one in class who knew Henry Darger. You had recently seen the movie Orlando. I would have liked to know more. I would have liked to speak to you about why you were suffering. I could have shared my own experience. But I was blind. Like many of us must have been. At least I had the great privilege of sitting next to you each week. It pains me more perhaps for that reason, but I don't want to spend the time thinking of how things relate to me. It would have been nice to know you more. Since the day I entered the classroom and saw an empty chair besides mine, I have been trying to fill in everything I didn't know.

So very sorry to hear the news of Jake's passing. I worked with John at Public Works until my retirement two years ago. My deepest sympathy to all of you during this heartbreaking time. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

I love you Jake McConnell.

Jake's picture was placed on a special table near the altar this evening at a Choral Evensong "In Remembrance" for All Souls' Day at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland, Oregon at 5 pm PST Sunday, November 2, 2014. I held him in my heart in honor, love and respect during this beautiful musical service of Evening Prayer as my way of being with you since I cannot be there tomorrow with Rob, Katie and Marilyn. Terri, the verger swung the incense not only over the altar but over all the photographs of the recently departed on this table so Jake got a lovely blessing all the way from the West Coast :)....I am so grateful I got the chance to see and hug him and chat so recently in September! My thoughts and prayers are with you at Mass tomorrow. Lots of love to a wonderful mom and dad and brother and sister, from
Helen

Our family will continue to keep Jake and the McConnell family our prayers. Jake will missed

Jake was a very good person. He was one of my good friends. He did have that kindness everyone talked about. He showed me it a long time ago. I was making music and he recognized my talent and talked to me about my art. We may have different art to show to the world, but our love to art connected us to it. I will never forget it. I admired, respected, and loved Jake very much. I enjoyed listening to his hobbies, conversations, and interest. I always looked forward to our conversations. I would even call him about how much I admired his work and how much I respected him. I will never forget him. We had a lot promises and plans made, but that does not mean I will cancel them anytime for I will carry them out in your memory. I'm sad that he had to go, but what makes me happy is that I had the great privilege of seeing his art grow, learn, and meeting him. Jake, the world feels emptier, lonelier, and strange, but I will not stop living in your memory and telling others about the great person you were. Thank you for your art, poems, and friendship. I will make sure they last forever and keep going to future generations. Take care and my condolences go out to the McConnell family and Jake's friends.

Though I did know Jake for very long he was a talented, creative and thoughtful person who seemed interested in everything and everyone around him. He will be missed.

Jake was a very nice kid. As well as I might have known him very well. He was very kind and had a great since of humor.

Dear Terri , John We are so sorry for your loss , our prayers are with you , Ron - Sue

We are so sorry for your loss. We are thinking of all of you and are sending prayers and hugs to you. Love, Amy, Bill, Derek and Abby Koza

Thank you for the honor of being your friend. You were wise beyond your years. I will miss you deeply.

Very kind kid, gentle heart. Lived his life with passion and stayed positive enjoying life. Someone you wanted to be around. He was mature beyond his years. We will miss you Jake, but we are happy that your life was a happy one.

To all who loved Jake, I offer my deepest sympathies, condolences, and prayers for peace. These are not easy times, but know that Jake's time on Earth was a blessing to all whom he touched.

John Bates, Rockford, Michigan

To the extended McConnell family:
My thoughts are with you all and wishing you strength for the difficult journey ahead.
M/V Hon James L Oberstar
Lake Superior

Jake you made an Impression on everyone you touched with your presence you will always be in our Hearts. Our Deepest Sympathy to The McConnell Family we are so very sad. & have Memories to make us smile, remembering the innocence of our children playing and growing together we send our Love & Prayers to you. Jake Hader, Alex, Ozzy, and Sean Schreiner God Bless

Dear Terri, John and family, we are so sorry for your loss. Jake was such a special person. I was always amazed at his knowledge of dinosaurs. He had such a positive impact on my son's life when we lived near you in Crystal Lake. We are praying for Jake and your family and hoping you can be at Peace. I feel honored to have known him. He was such a talented and lovely person. He will never be forgotten.

Dearest Terri, John, and family, Our sincerest condolences on the loss of your son, Jake. The world was a better place having the opportunity to share in Jake's life. Jay, Missy, and I can only share in your sorrow, Love and prayers. Big Jim and family

Jake was so special to me. He made me smile every time I was near him. I learned so much from Jake. He will be so missed!! God Bless you Jake!! Please know how much you will be missed!!

Please know we are thinking of your family right now. I know there is very little we can say except to tell you that others genuinely care and are praying for your healing. Please try to hold on to Jake's light, joy, talent and unique personality. He must have been very special to have such gifts. I will continue to pray for your peace and his. God bless you.