Jacob Hill

Jacob Warren Hill - known lovingly as Jake, Jakey boy, and "handsome with the red beard" - passed away on February 4, 2026, at the age of 47. Born on April 4, 1978, and raised in West Valley, Utah, Jake grew into a man remembered for his warmth, humor, brilliance, and deep love for his family and the outdoors.

Jake graduated from Hunter High School in 1996 and built a life defined by hard work and curiosity. As a young father raising his son Dallas, he worked in lumber and construction sales, later working in the service industry, before applying his sharp mind as an engineer for a company producing spectroscopy instrumentation for the fuel industry. Most recently, he worked as an inventory and purchasing manager for a construction equipment and service company. Whatever the role, Jake brought ingenuity, pride, and an ability to fix or create nearly anything - sometimes with nothing more than duct tape, a toothpick, and determination.

In 2014, Jake met the love of his life, Morea - whom he affectionately called "Mo my love". Together they shared a joyful life filled with cooking (his salsa was legendary), gardening, camping, live music, and time spent outdoors. Jake learned to fish and hunt from his father, John, and family trips to Fish Lake became treasured traditions. At age twelve, he proudly harvested his first deer there, with many more to follow, and it remained a place close to his heart.

Jake adored spending time with his son Dallas (Becca) and his grandchildren, Carson and Aleia. He was endlessly proud of Dallas - of the man he had become, the devoted father and husband he was, the long talks they would have, and the friendly rivalry that came alive over a pool table. Jake shared close bonds with his brothers Jason and John, celebrating Jason's strength in guiding the family after their father's passing and admiring John's honesty, loyalty and work ethic. These relationships were sources of pride and laughter throughout his life.

Known for his quick wit and generous spirit, Jake could strike up a friendship anywhere. He was the ultimate host, the man who could turn whatever was in the fridge into a five-star meal, could capture attention with a great story, and was the trivia champion who often bested Morea while watching Jeopardy! - leaving her laughing and amazed. He loved long biking adventures with Jason-hours of grinding miles that tested their powerful legs, which they proudly compared. His competitive spirit, paired with a 50-pound weight advantage, meant his "little brother" never stood a chance. He looked forward to hunting and fishing trips with his family, cooking for loved ones, and filling rooms with humor, including his famously cheeky reminder: "Never trust a fart!"

Jake was a devoted fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, never missing a game and proudly calling football season his favorite time of year. His all-time favorite player was Randall Cunningham. A cherished memory was traveling to Candlestick Park in 2008 to watch the Eagles play the San Francisco 49ers (Eagles WON!! 40-26)- a moment that captured his lifelong passion for the game.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Hill (née Colby), and his father, John Hill. He is survived by his beloved partner Morea, his brothers John (Leslie) and Jason (Deanne); his son Dallas (Becca); his grandchildren Carson and Aleia; and his cherished cat, Tom Tom. Jake is also survived by his daughter, Layla Morganne Hill (Davis), from whom he had been estranged for many years. Though life circumstances kept them apart, Jake carried love for Layla in his heart and spoke often of his hope to reconnect with her one day. In honoring that wish, his family holds space for the possibility of reunion and hopes to someday share with her the story of the remarkable man her father was- a man whose warmth, brilliance, and humor touched so many lives.

Jake's life was marked by laughter, intelligence, generosity, and fierce love. He leaves behind stories, meals, adventures, and memories that will be retold with smiles for generations. He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

Jake wished to be cremated and laid to rest at Fish Lake alongside his father so that family and friends may always visit and feel close to him. To celebrate the full life he lived and the love he shared, a celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 28th, in the late afternoon in Salt Lake City, Utah. Location and details will be shared soon.

Jake's family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in his honor to support mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and the de-stigmatization of emotional struggles - especially for men and others who may feel alone in theirs. Struggling with sadness, hopelessness, or mental health challenges is a part of the human experience, and asking for help is a sign of courage, not weakness. If you or someone you love is in crisis, remember that support is available. In the United States, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline anytime for free, confidential support.

Suggested organizations to support Jake's memory:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Supports the national 988 mental health and suicide crisis line, helping ensure 24/7 access to trained counselors and resources. Donate: https://988lifeline.org/donate/

• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) - Funds research, public education, advocacy, and support for those affected by suicide. https://afsp.org/donate/

• The Jed Foundation (JED) - Focuses on protecting emotional health and preventing suicide among teens and young adults. https://www.jedfoundation.org/

• Project Semicolon - Advocacy and mental health wellness organization promoting hope and support for those struggling. https://projectsemicolon.com/

• Suicide Prevention Alliance - Provides education, awareness, and community outreach to reduce suicide risk. https://www.suicidepreventionalliance.org/donate/