Jacquez "Jake" Cavazos

1985 - 2018

Jacquez "Jake" Cavazos

Jacquez "Jake" Cavazos, 33, left this earth on August 30, 2018 as a result of a motorcycle accident in Los Angeles. Jake was born in Bakersfield and attended Orangewood Elementary, Edison Middle School, Chipman Junior High and Arvin HIgh School where he participated in the Construction Design and Engineering Academy, played football for four years and competed on the We the People team. He studied at UC Santa Barbara and Bakersfield College where he received his AA degree and several certificates which later allowed him to be paid to play with technology. Jake worked locally for Circuit City and California Electric Supply before moving to Toluca Lake and, most recently, Sherman Oaks to work at NBC Universal Hollywood as a sound video technician. There, he was a dedicated member of the Technical Services/Controls Engineer department and was proud to serve on the team that worked on the Harry Potter ride as it was being constructed in California. Jake was also a member of the IBEW Local 40 and the Motion Picture Association.

Jake enjoyed life and appreciated quality - in food, alcohol, cars, entertainment and especially friends. He had a quick wit, a wicked sense of humor and "did not suffer fools gladly". Because he was such a genuine individual, Jake had little tolerance for hypocrisy or for those who used the cloak of religion to serve themselves. He was a handsome man, although he would never come to realize it. HIs beautiful, light brown eyes caught people's attention, yet it was Jake's amazing smile that was his most engaging and memorable feature. He was generous to the people he loved dearly and to those whose circumstances touched his heart. A few years ago, Jake asked his mother what she wanted for mother's day and when she responded "just time with you", he bought tickets to a play they could attend together. He knew she wanted to see the musical Hamilton when it came to California, so just to ensure he could to get those highly coveted tickets, Jake bought season passes to the theatre. These season passes also gave them a full day together every six weeks for the past two years. His brothers, Caleb and Justin, and soon-to-be sister-in law Lauren, were also frequent recipients of similar unexpected and thoughtful gifts. One year, after receiving an exceptionally good bonus at work, he gave some of it to his brothers just because he wanted to share his good fortune. Jake was a good listener and was adept at picking up gift ideas from an otherwise casual conversation. Jake never failed to show the people he loved how much he valued them. Most often, it was his big bear hugs that communicated his feelings most precisely.

Jake was an aficionado of barbequing and loved to grill and photograph the perfect meal. He appreciated good food and drink and could often be found attending one of LA's many food festivals. Jake had a photographic memory and could retain minute details and trivia that impressed his friends and baffled his mother. He traveled within many circles of friends of various ages and interests. Because he was genuine of spirit, children were naturally drawn to him. It was not uncommon to find him making faces with children in the grocery line or to see a child walking up to his table at a restaurant just to say hello. The children of his friends called him "Unky Jake" and loved to joke and wrestle with him as their parents looked on, shook their heads and laughed at "the kids" playing. Jake loved problem-solving, working on a team and being creative. He designed many gifts using his 3-D printer and had begun working on a line of t-shirts that were a perfect display of his wit.

Jake joins his grandfather Francisco in heaven and leaves behind his mother Blanca, brothers Caleb and Justin and soon to be sister-in-law Lauren. Also missing his presence are his grandmother Altagracia Cavazos; aunts and uncles Marta Cavazos-Hernandez and Blas Hernandez, Mary and Jose Reyna, Frank Cavazos, and Vicki and Bill Shoenhair; cousins Melody, Genevieve, Frankie, Maddie and Shane; and many extended family and close friends who loved him dearly.

Because Jake was a happy person who relished life, a Celebration of Life will be held in his honor at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 9101 Kern Canyon Road in Bakersfield on Saturday, September 8 at 10 am in the chapel. Internment and a reception will follow. Pallbearers are Caleb Cavazos, Justin Cavazos, Thomas Person, Ramon Hendrix, Julien Schubert, Bob Elhindi, Regino Sierra, and JT Williams. Honorary pallbearers are Frank Cavazos, Frank Cavazos, Jr., Bill Shoenhair, Blas Hernandez and Jose Reyna. Please join us in celebrating Jake's legacy by wearing Hawaiian attire or bright colors to the service. Scholarship donations may be made in his honor to the Arvin High School Alumni Association, PO Box 272, Arvin CA 93203.

Jake's family wishes to thank all the friends, colleagues and family who have sought to bring us solace by extending their kindness, visiting, sharing their favorite "Jake stories", bringing food, providing and/or paying for services, sending cards, calling, texting, emailing and otherwise supporting us through this difficult time. We feel your love. To our Arvin, Lamont, Bakersfield, Taft, LA and Georgia families, words are not sufficient to express our deepest gratitude.