Oh, Nancy. Reading the memorial of your son, my heart weeps at so catastrophic a loss of one so dear.
The more I read about him, the more I wish I knew him as a close friend because he sounds like my kind of guy -- from his passion for justice, his love of animals, sarcastic humor...
I pray that God will bind your hearts with all you need to live the rest of this life without Jacob because of all he was and ever will be to you.

I so clearly remember the time in the early 2000s when Jacob was earning his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Nebraska. Mom Nancy was earning her PhD in Communication Studies and sister Jessi and brother Aaron were students here too. All ultimately earned their graduate degrees in different places, teaching in various parts of the discipline. Jacob was just as described in these pages—smart, loved to argue, witty, and passionate. These seem to be the qualities that stuck with him and grew. In the Department of Communication Studies at Nebraska we were proud of this family and I loved seeing Jake, Nancy, Jessi, and Aaron together at some conferences. I got together with Nancy, Artie, and Leah Bryant last March and Nancy told me all about what Jacob was doing in China and was so proud of him. The deep love and pride of his family is unaltered—but we mourn a life cut way too short in our human understanding and planning. My heart goes out to his family and many friends. Rest in Perfect Peace, dear Jake.
-Dawn O. Braithwaite, Willa Cather Professor and Department Chair, Department of Communication Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

May God wrap you in HIS arms and give you strength. 
Matthew 5:4 “blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted”
Bob and I are keeping you in our prayers

Your love pours through your words, and I am honored to hear his story. Hugs to you both (& to his siblings) as you carry his memory. May his passions fuel you-- as you work with students, learn new things, or tend to the animals. May you always carry him in your hearts. All my love to you and Artie. Xo

I don’t have much to provide, but remember hanging out here and there in junior high. I remember even at such a young age his wit and intelligence is beyond his years and that he felt things on a different level. I’m grateful to have these fees find memories of him. Love and prayers sent to family and close friends and anyone else who has been affected by this.

Jacob clearly experienced more in his short life than most people do in their lifetimes.
Jacob was a romantic at heart and his enthusiasm, passion, and fearlessness to dream showed us what a life fully lived looks like.
Love you Jacob........
Jen and Dale

I have so much to say but there is no way it will all fit in this space. He was one of the smartest, funniest, most adventurous people I have ever met. I will miss Jake tremendously.

When I first moved to Kasson, Jacob stood out right away as one of the smartest, wittiest, and most knowledgeable people I'd ever met. He was so unique, and was always good for a great conversation/debate. I also remember what a great actor he was, his performance in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' stands out. I'm very sad to learn of his passing, RIP to a true original.