Jacob Daniel Ruiz

This is not a goodbye - it's a Thank You. Thank you for coming into my life, Jacob, and for loving me, loving us. Thank you for all the memories we will never forget, but instead cherish forever. Thank you for being a light in our lives - a light that will never go out.
Jacob's story began 25 years ago on a warm night, August 27, 1999. We didn't expect him to arrive so soon, and fear gripped our hearts because we didn't want to lose him. Born at 29 weeks, he was our miracle - our blessing wrapped in fragile strength. From that moment forward, Jacob began writing his book of life, showing us how much he wanted to live, how fiercely he fought to stay, and how deeply he loved.
Every chapter in Jacob's life was filled with challenges that he met head-on with grace, grit, and that unstoppable fire in his heart. He loved sports and gave his all to be the best. Known as "Small but Mighty," he was fierce in competition and even fiercer in spirit. From the football field at five years old to the wrestling mat in high school, he never stopped pushing, even through injury and pain. He didn't always reach the finish line he dreamed of, but he ran every race with determination and unmatched heart. And through it all, Jacob remained humble - never boastful, always kind.
His academic chapter told another story of dedication. He poured himself into his studies, graduating with honors as his high school's Valedictorian. To him, it wasn't about the recognition - it was simply what he did, and he never needed praise. In college, he graduated with honors again - Summa Cum Laude - earning awards in Science that he never even told us about. That was Jacob: quietly brilliant, always seeking to grow, chasing dreams he sometimes kept to himself.
And then, there are our chapters - each of us who were lucky enough to share a piece of his story. Maybe you met him in a moment of laughter, in shared tears, in spontaneous adventures or heartfelt talks. However you knew him, you knew joy. You knew sincerity. You knew love. The way he lit up a room, the way he made you feel seen, the way he laughed with his whole heart - those are the pages of Jacob that we will never stop rereading.
Jacob had a smile that could soften even the hardest day. He had a kindness that changed people, often in quiet ways they only realized later. His mischievous grin, his curious mind, his deep empathy - they made him unforgettable. He was a best friend, a protector, a dreamer, and sometimes a silent warrior battling burdens he didn't always share. Yet he still gave love freely, constantly, and without hesitation.
Jacob, I hope you knew how treasured you were - how deeply admired and eternally loved. I hope you knew how you changed every life you touched. You were not just special - you were extraordinary. You were the joy in our laughter, the peace in our silence, the heartbeat of our family.
Even though you didn't get to write every chapter you dreamed of, we will always keep the corner folded down on the pages you did write - because they were our favorite. We will carry your story forward, page by page, in how we live, how we love, and how we remember.
Thank you, Jacob, for loving us so purely and teaching us how to love better in return. May God be with us now, hold us through this unbearable pain, and comfort us with the truth that love - your love - never ends.
You are forever in our hearts. This isn't the end, Jacob. It's just a "Thank You," until we meet again. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Jacob, please visit our Tree Store.