Jacob D. Woodworth

1989 - 2025

Jacob D. Woodworth
Born: September 9, 1989 in Sterling, IL
Died: September 26, 2025 in Houston, TX
HOUSTON, TX - Jacob Dale Woodworth, 36, of Houston, Texas passed away at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center with his parents and sisters by his side on September 26th, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer. Jacob was born on September 9th, 1989 in Sterling, Illinois as the eldest child of Jeff and Jul (Dodd) Woodworth. He grew up on his family's farm in Lyndon, Illinois where he enjoyed being a big brother to his three younger sisters and helping his dad and Grandpa Dale with farmwork. He attended Prophetstown School District and graduated from Prophetstown High School (PHS) in 2008. During his time at PHS, he participated in choir, musical plays, cross country, wrestling, and his passion, baseball. He was a pitcher for the EP Panthers and enjoyed playing on various travel baseball teams in the area. Outside of school and sports, he spent his time playing paintball, videogames with friends, and going on family vacations to beaches, amusement parks, and MLB stadiums.
He attended Western Illinois University from 2008-2013, where he studied abroad in Taiwan and China, earning a bachelor's degree of Business in Information Systems with a double minor in International Business and Computer Science. Upon graduation, he became a consultant and data analyst with Huron Healthcare in the greater San Diego area from 2013-2014. His love for traveling and learning about other cultures extended far beyond his home continent. Starting in 2015, he put down roots in Shanghai, China, where he worked as a Business Intelligence Analyst and Power BI Developer for the entire Asia Pacific with Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies.
Jacob had a wide range of interests and hobbies, each one he delved deep into. While in China, he met his fiancée, Farheen (Fari), whom he loved dearly. Their home in Shanghai served as a gathering spot for friends from all over the world. He was a fantastic host and his guests' comfort was always at the forefront of his mind. Jacob was very proud of his home theater, taking great care to research and setup a movie-theater-worthy experience in his living room. He had a great love for watching movies from his childhood and reminiscing on memorabilia from his youth, a passion he shared with his mom. As an adult, Jacob continued to enjoy playing paintball and computer games, which also served as a method to stay in touch with his high school friends. He used photography to document the things he loved in life and explore the world around him. Other interests included staying well-read on current events, computer building, and playing on competitive traveling softball leagues in Shanghai. Even when halfway across the world, he regularly stayed in touch with his parents, sisters, and grandmothers, sharing photos and stories from his home away from home. Every component of his life was well-researched and intentional, something his loved ones admired greatly about him. Anyone who knew him would agree that when Jake put his mind to doing something, he settled for nothing less than the best.
In 2024, he moved to Houston, Texas to receive medical care and be closer to family. Jacob's wit, selflessness, loyalty, and candor made an impression on others across the world. The strength and courage he showed during his battle with cancer mirrored his unmatched enthusiasm for life and ability to gracefully take on life's challenges. He even continued to help his dad during harvest season and play on slow-pitch softball leagues while receiving chemotherapy. His life on earth ended far too soon, but his spirit will forever stay alive through the wonderful memories he created with his mom, dad, sisters, fiancée, friends, and teammates. He loved his family dearly and his sisters were his pride and joy. Our lives are forever impacted by his presence.
Jacob is survived by his fiancée Farheen Hafeez of Shanghai, China; parents, Jeff and Jul Woodworth of Lyndon, Illinois; sisters, Jacy (Scott) Sandrock of Bettendorf, Iowa, Jennifer Woodworth of Buffalo, New York, and Jessica Woodworth of Lyndon, Illinois; two nephews, Charlie and Dax Sandrock, and one niece, Mya Sandrock, of Bettendorf, Iowa; maternal grandmother, Shirley Dodd of Sterling, Illinois and paternal grandmother, Leola Woodworth of Prophetstown, Illinois; as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Jacob was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Harold Dodd, Jr. and paternal grandfather, Dale Woodworth.
Per Jacob's wishes, in lieu of a visitation or formal memorial service, there will be a public celebration-of-life softball game in his honor, at a later date. Cremation rights have been accorded. Jacob's life was sadly taken away while he still had lots of adventures he wanted to take. He will always be in our thoughts and hearts. Love you always and rest in peace, Jacob.
Online condolences may be sent to www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com.