“GOD grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.” (12&12 p.41)
Jacob K. Tanner departed this life far too soon at the young age of 29 on Thursday, March 14, 2024, after a long battle with addiction and mental illness.
Jacob was born November 19, 1994 and lived in Falconer, NY until his journey led him to Collingswood, NJ.
Jacob loved so many things in life, but nothing more than spending time with his friends and family, infecting everyone with his contagious smile and laugh. He was especially proud of his pet snake, Kenzo, his Acura, and his immense shoe collection.
Jacob was preceded in death by the love of his life, Melissa Hotz; his maternal grandmother, Lorraine E. Tanner; his paternal grandparents, Zeke and Trish Long; his Aunt Amy Sweatman and many friends and loved ones who also lost their lives after bravely battling addiction.
He is survived by his loving mother, Cheryl (Charles Ruckert) Perrin; his father, Larry Long; his step- father, Bryan Perrin; his brother and best friend, Jonathon (Paige Mesler) Perrin; his sister, Kylie (Arrick Kidder) Perrin; his maternal grandfather, John "Bob" Tanner; grandparents Bruce and Theresa Perrin; his nieces Cecilia, Rhaelynn, Jessi, Onaleigh, and Jade, all whom he adored and loved deeply. He also leaves to mourn several aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Over the years, he expanded his family to include so many he held in his heart. Savannah, his forever ride or die; Dan O, his biggest supporter, and Matt, his sponsor and brother. There are too many others to list. You all hold a special place in our hearts and were deeply loved by Jake.
May you go in peace, Jake. You are now with your Heavenly Father and your loved ones who went before you. Your tired and relentless battle is over. You were a beautiful soul whose mission in life was to help others overcome this disease. You will not be forgotten. Your story will be told for years to come. Your death will not be in vain. May you guide those of us who are left here on Earth to continue your work as an advocate for those in addiction.
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Family milestones in gold, history for context
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Visiting
Before my drive home, I visited your final resting place. It was a truly peaceful moment. The gorgeous views, sounds of birds chirping, and leaves falling from the trees made it a memorable experience. I will always cherish the memories of you. Visit me soon! 💜 I love & miss you always!
Stranded on the sand bar
We always embraced the “adventures”
Jake
I still think about you every day. Whenever I drive I immediately wish I could call you. I want to tell you how much has happened. Your god daughter just turned 2! I wish you could see the brat that she’s turned into (you would co sign her) you’re deeply missed down here. You were always yourself no matter where we were and I always respected that about you even tho I would get embarrassed 😂 I can’t even find the words to say besides I just miss you. I wish I could just drive around one more time and listen to rod wave. I don’t want to be sad right now, everybody Is still carrying your name. We all love you so much and always will. Love you bro ♥️
Jacob
It is still hard without you here. We are missing one of our musketeers. My gay bestie you left me to drive Sav crazy on my own. Between us almost dying in the water twice (both your faults) to boxing in the back yard. There is a lot of things you should be here for. I will always miss you. Please come get your friend Savannah (panda). She calls my kryeeestle like you did listens to all the same music and fights with me like you used to she is a mini you. Your side kick Buggie needs you to show him your ways. Uncle Jacob will always be needed. Love you forever
My boy
So…I’m a veteran. Years ago when I first came into sober living, Jake was one of my housemates. We went to a lot of meetings together and broke bread almost daily. We had some very deep and meaningful conversations during those times. You get very close with someone when you live life that close to someone sharing the same issues. It was close to Veterans Day and sneaky little Jake asked me what my favorite meal was which is lasagna.. and telling me he never cooked anything in his life! I didn’t think anything of it. I was working in treatment at the time and when I got home on Veterans Day Jake had a whole pan of lasagne waiting for me. I can’t describe the feeling other than pure joy and happiness and gratitude to have him in my life. I was in a dark place and he helped me climb out of it and I will never forget him for that. He was my brother…and I miss him dearly. I think of him daily. Love ya Jake.
Memories
Hi Jacob, Just stopping in to say that I miss you, and would give anything for one more conversation with you. I think of you daily, and often when listening to a new song I wish I could show you. I’ll keep singing my heart out on drives for you, whether it sounds good or not (we know it doesn’t). Thank you for your unconditional kindness to me, and for always checking in on me. I will keep sharing your story and always check up on the people I love, in your memory. I miss you🫶🙏 Meagan
Driving with Jakey
One of my favorite memories with Jake was just being in the car. We’d explore different genres of music, laugh until our bellies hurt, and have wild conversations. Even with friends and family present. We were unapologetically ourselves. Sometimes, we’d just stop at random places to see what was going on. We were spontaneous when we were together. We rarely made any plans; sometimes, we’d just hop in the car and go. When we didn’t live together, it was always, “I hope you’re dressed because I’ll be at your place in five minutes to pick you up.” Meanwhile, I was half asleep and hadn’t even gotten out of bed yet. I knew I was going to have a good time, so I got up anyway! There were times we’d drive next to someone who was just as reckless as us (he was more reckless than me, though). We’d race each other on the highway. Or we’d just go fast to see how our cars would handle it. It was so much fun! I miss being in the car with you or beside you. I love you always.
Remembering
Jake, you were always so good with the kids. I wish you were around to do some uncle Jake activities with them.
Visiting
hi Jake… this is your niece Jade. she loves to come visit you and give you kisses ❤️ we hope you are watching down on her. We miss you very much and wish you could’ve met her. she will always know who her uncle is and know you love her!
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