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Jacob Parker Obituary
Leonard
With heavy hearts, we mourn the loss of Jacob "Jake" Leonard Parker, our beloved son, brother and friend, who was taken from us in a tragic auto accident the morning of July 18, 2024, near where he lived in Arlington, Virginia.
Jake was born on December 23, 1994, in Atlanta, Georgia, alongside his twin sister, Leah Marie Parker. He worked as a Machine Learning Engineer on classified projects for Booz Allen Hamilton at the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency. He was a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, where he majored in Statistics and Machine Learning, with a minor in Computer Science. He was recruited by CMU's XC coach his senior year at Woodward Academy, where he graduated as one of Woodward's top runners in 2013. He spent his elementary years attending the Wardlaw School of the Atlanta Speech School.
Jake was an Eagle Scout who valued the majesty and beauty of the natural world. His love of camping & hiking began with his years as a Boy Scout in Troop 197, and continued into hiking in Yosemite, New Mexico, the Grand Canyon, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Colorado. He loved exploring the world, and was an amateur fisherman, an enthusiastic trail runner, and an avid rock climber.
Jake's creativity and insatiable curiosity led him to have many interests, including sculpting, environmental and world issues, video games, music, and cutting-edge ML research. He especially loved cooking - researching the best gadgets and mastering the processes that skilled cooking required. He found great joy in trying new foods and creating unique dishes to share with others. He filled his apartment with the technical papers, books and novels that inspired him.
Both silly and serious, Jake had a propensity to intellectualize and philosophize. He was thoughtful, highly intelligent, strong-willed and determined. He shied away from calling attention to himself or inconveniencing others, and he was doggedly loyal and quick to laugh with those he loved. He had a good and pure heart and a great capacity to love those around him.
Jake will always be dearly loved and deeply missed.
Jake is survived by his parents, Sue Ann Parker and Randall (Randy) Jay Parker, Atlanta, GA; twin sister, Leah Marie Parker, Brooklyn, NY; his maternal grandmother, Bonnell Eley Parker, Talbotton, GA; his paternal grandmother, Loraine Whiteford Parker, Harwich, MA; his maternal aunt, Bonnie Marie Parker, Columbus, GA; his paternal aunt, Diane Parker Burbank (Whit), Canandaigua, NY; his paternal uncle, Dr. Kenneth Charles Parker (Zoe), Hopkinton, MA; and his five cousins, Kristin Whiteford Burbank (Sam Bertelson), Lodi, CA; Jeffrey Maxfield Burbank (Esther), Forest Hills, NY; Troy Whittaker Burbank, New York, NY; Vera Parker Nigro (Nick), Auburn, MA; and Constance Amabel Parker, Hopkinton, MA. Jake was predeceased by his grandfathers Leonard Gresham Parker, Jr., and Dr. Charles Osgood Parker; and his paternal uncle, Glenn Whiteford Parker.
Please join the Parker family in celebrating Jake's life on Friday, August 16, 2024, Peachtree Road United Methodist Church, Atlanta, GA, 1:00-1:30 PM Celebration of Life - Moore Chapel, 1:30-3:30 PM Reception - Heritage Hall. https://vimeo.com/event/4497210
In lieu of flowers, Jake would wish for us all to be mindful of others, treat everyone with kindness, and move through the world with authenticity.
Memories and Condolences
for Jacob Parker
13 Entries
Marti George
August 16, 2024
You are in my thoughts and prayers, always and forever!
Sondra Mims
August 12, 2024
Sue and Randy, I am so terribly saddened to hear this terrible news. I remember Jake as an absolutely brilliant young boy who, because of his intellect, often gave us all a run for our money and he was usually more than one step ahead of us. Jake was a great kid who was truly blessed with the perfect parents. I pray for your comfort in the days ahead. I hope you know that we loved Jake and we will forever love your family.
Charles Perkins Saunders
August 10, 2024
Mary Ellen and I remember your family's visit and lunch with us at Holbrook's Wharf here in Cundy's Harbor many years ago. Our extended family has suffered a huge loss with the tragic passing of Cousin Jake. We pray that the love of family and friends will strengthen you and help you through the future one day at a time.
Pamela Jordan
August 8, 2024
Sue and Randy I just want you to know that Frank and I are thinking of all of you at this time and heart broken for your loss. Pam
Jim and Michelle Saunders
August 7, 2024
My sincere condolences for the sudden loss of Jacob. This news comes as a surprise and shock. Our thoughts and prayers are with Randy, Sue,Parker family and friends in this time of remembering Jacob´s life and dealing with the loss.
Roberto Ioriatti and Federica Comai
August 7, 2024
We only met Jake once at Randy's birthday party last year, but we are grateful we could feel and experience his wonderful traits you so fully described and celebrated.
We are profoundly saddened by your loss and are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers during this challenging time.
With most heartfelt condolences.
James Pavur
August 7, 2024
Jake was such a wonderful person. I feel fortunate to have grown up alongside him in Troop 197 where he was always a dependable and loyal friend. My deepest condolences to his family.
Ella Herlihy
August 7, 2024
I did not know your son, but have two boys in Troop 197. My deepest heartfelt condolences for you in your loss. What a wonderful young man you raised. I loved reading a snippet of his story. He must have brought you such great joy. I am heartbroken for your entire family and the hole that he once filled. May the peace of the Holy Spirit and the love of friends and family fill your hearts as you grieve.
Natalie Bush
August 6, 2024
Jake was a talent to work with and a pleasure to know; please accept my deepest condolences
Christine Ozburn
August 1, 2024
I remember Jake as a kindergarten student. So happy to read about all he accomplished in life. So sad he was taken from this world so early in life.
Elaine LaCour
August 1, 2024
Losing a child is a heavy burden, something unthinkable for any parents. Sue and Randy, I remember Jake's extraordinary intelligence that served him well in school and in life accomplishments. I hope you will find great comfort from family and friends who love you and love Jake. Elaine LaCour
Chris Broecker
August 1, 2024
Reading this with a heavy heart. I remember watching him grow from a wild rambunctious first year in scouts into a mature young man with a life of adventure and potential ahead of him. My thoughts go out to Randy and the rest of the family.
bill eidson
July 31, 2024
Jake and his parents were very involved with his Scouting journey - from Tenderfoot to Eagle Rank . many of his adult Scout leaders are still with the Troop. we like helping Scouts grow up into fine young men, as he did.
Bill Eidson
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
Memorial Events
for Jacob Parker
Aug
16
Celebration of Life
1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Peachtree Road United Methodist Church
Moore Chapel, Atlanta, GA