Jacob Michael Valdez

Jacob Michael Valdez, age 27, passed away on March 9, 2024 at his home. His departure comes as a great shock and deep wound that is gravely felt by his entire family and countless others who loved him deeply. Jacob returns home after suffering a long battle that was lost to addiction. A beautiful soul who lost sight of what this world sees in his beauty and thought that numbing this world of himself would ease his despair, but it is this world that needed to feel more of him and his kind of gentle.
He was born on September 6, 1996 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Sarese Jackman and Lawrence Valdez. Jacob is the oldest of five siblings. Born with all odds against him at 1 lbs 8 oz., told he would never do lots of things like walk. Told his soles would never hold him up. What they didn't know was how many souls he would turn around and bring joy to, simply by walking along their path. And if you know Jake, you know he's crossed many bridges. He sure got around town. Couldn't keep the guy still. Earthquake Jake, shaking up everybody in his path. Sharing his energy and grin. Whether it was that cute little boy with the silver grill and pants down to his knees or that handsome young yella fella, pants still around his knees, with his beautiful bright smile. The one that made your soul smile right back.
Jacobs profession was making the people he loved feel seen. Going out his way to make sure he showed you some love, likely making a snarky smart ass remark while doing it. He specialized in the big brother, super uncle department. He was that proud big brother who admired his siblings for growing into the amazing parents they've become. The brother you'd find playing Barbies with his sister or the brother so excited to hear that Baby nephew Adonis, born at 1 lbs 11 oz, is beating the odds and proving doubters wrong just like he did as a tiny soldier. He loved being uncle or big cousin Jake just as much as they loved him. He made them feel important. It was his child-like spirit that made it easy to interact with and let your guard down. He always dreamt of having a daughter and exchanging beautiful smiles. Its unfortunate that no one gets to witness that interaction. That's what will be missed the most about Jacob. He's contagious energy. Free spirit. No judgment nature. He made sure you knew he loved you. That you mattered to him. He was a listening ear as much as he love to be listened to. Kid could talk. He loved with no boundaries and had a rare ability to connect with people and leave their spirit a little lighter. He was born a soldier and if he loved you, he rode for you like a soldier and if you had his heart, he'd take one like a soldier.
Many are left with a huge hole in their heart and will miss the entertainment and joy that followed him on many days. It's heartbreaking to know there were days where joy fleeted him and he forgot how much impact he held over those lucky enough to call him family and friend. He will be forever missed. Until we meet again Lil Light Skin
Survived by mother, Sarese Jackman and father, Lawrence Valdez. Grandparents, Sharlene Valdez and Larry Miller. And as a blended family, grandparents, Berlinda Thomas, David Oliver, and Dana Woods and Vincent Thomas, step-father. His 5 siblings and Raeshaun 25, Shariana 24, Keyarah 16, Vincent James 14, Tylisha 17, 2 nephews Raeshaun 2, Adonis 3 months, niece Queenie. And many aunties, uncles and cousins, both blood and non blood.
Preceded in death by grandma Queenie Cobbs and Rose Valdez, Grandpa Taddy Jackman and Uncle Nathaniel "Smokey" Valdez, Uncle Brian "kidd"
A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, March 19, 2024, at 2:00 pm in the Neil O'Donnell Funeral Home 372 E 100 S Salt Lake City, Utah 84111. A visitation for family and friends will be from 1:00-1:50 pm before the service at the same location. Graveside services will take place at Redwood Memorial, 6500 S Redwood Road Salt Lake City, Utah.