For most in the community, Jacob York was known for his contagious smile and as a warrior on the field. For those close to him, he was known and loved for much more.
His dad, Michael York, said when he thinks of his son, he thinks of tenacity and loyalty.
“We’re an extremely tight family”, said Michael. “All the kids enjoy being with each other. They are very, very, tight.”
With older brothers, Josh and Matthew, younger sister, Hope, and younger brother, Seth, Jake and his siblings were always taking care of each other.
“Jake was very unique in his own way and extremely intelligent.”
“As a son, I couldn’t be prouder. He was learning to become a man.”
He and his wife Julie were watching their son channel the same fire and tenacity we saw on the field into achieving his goals as a productive young adult.
Jake was working through the week as a contractor and weekends on a farm, but he had his sights on landing a job at Oak Ridge National Laboratory this fall.
“It was fun seeing all the time, energy, and hard work pay off,” added Michael. “We were very proud of Jake.”
“For those that didn’t know Jake like we do, there was more to Jake than his time on the field.”
His dad says his favorite times were hunting and fishing or at family vacations on the beach.
“He was most happy when he was in a tree stand with one of his brothers.”
For the Rhea County Football family, coach Mark Pemberton said, “He was a tremendous leader for our football team, and we will never forget him.”
Funeral services for Jacob will be held Wednesday afternoon at 4:00 pm in the Rudd Chapel at Bryan College in Dayton with Rev. Rusty Revis officiating.
Memorial contributions in Jacob’s memory may be made to Artom’s Adoption athttps://www.youcaring.com/jamie-jennifer-suttles-512748.
The family is being cared for by the Vanderwall Funeral Home where they will receive friends Tuesday afternoon at 4:00pm. Jacob will also lie in state at the Rudd chapel one hour before his funeral.