Jacob Robert Lorkovic

Jacob Robert Lorkovic, age 24, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025.

Born on September 4, 2001, in Cleveland, Ohio, Jacob was the beloved son of Aimee Dray and Robert Lorkovic - their pride, their light, and their constant source of joy.

From middle school, Jacob's passion for music was evident. He had an instinctive gift for understanding rhythm and harmony, but more than that, he had a rare ability to make people feel the music. His parents nurtured this love every step of the way - from concerts as a family to jam sessions with his dad - moments that became the heartbeat of their family life.

A proud 2019 graduate of Willoughby South High School, "Sparkles" found his true passion while playing the baritone for the Marching Rebels. He realized that this combined environment of music and education would be his lifelong pursuit. He then continued a cherished family tradition by attending Miami University, where he earned his Bachelor of Music with a concentration in Music Education. While at Miami, he found both purpose and lifelong friendship. He led his fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, played in the Miami University Marching Band and sang in the Men's Glee Club. Most importantly, it was at Miami that Jacob met his best friend and fiancée, Tatum Durbin, the love of his life.

This year, Jacob began what he called his "dream job" with Northridge Local Schools in Dayton, Ohio, teaching music to students from sixth through twelfth grade. As Band Director, he devoted himself to inspiring young musicians with the same encouragement and passion he had once received from his own high school music teacher, "Mr. P." Those who worked with Jacob remember how his passion was contagious, his energy unmatched, and his belief in his students unwavering. As one school official shared, "Jacob made such a profound difference in such a short time and was loved by his students."

Jacob is survived by his loving parents Aimee Dray (Brad Steinberg) and Robert Lorkovic (Lorna Reardon); his devoted fiancée, Tatum Durbin; his grandmothers: Barbara Lorkovic and Barbara Dray; his aunt, Karmi (Austin) Gura; his uncle, Albin (Kerry) Lorkovic; his cousins, Charlie, Sam, Emma, Caleb and Isabella as well as extended family and many cherished friends; and his faithful cat, Sylvain.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Slavko Lorkovic, and his maternal grandparents, David Dray and Susan (John) Vanderberg.

Visitation will be held on Thursday January 8, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at MONREAL SRNICK FUNERALS & CREMATIONS, 35400 Curtis Blvd, Eastlake, Ohio 44095

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Saint Noel Catholic Church, 35200 Chardon Road, Willoughby Hills, Ohio.

Private family interment will take place in All Souls, Chardon Twp.

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to The Jacob R. Lorkovic Foundation c/o either Aimee or Rob to help continue Jacob's mission in support of student musicians and music educators - to help his song continue in the hearts of others for generations to come.