Tuesday, February 06, 2007

In Memory Of Jacob N. Perkins

Jake was born August 4, 1969 and died last night, February 5, 2007 of a massive coronary at the age of 37. He was my nephew. The heart attack was unexpected, and came after a bout of the flu. He had a kidney transplant last Memorial Day, the hope being that he would have the use of one kidney for the rest of his life.

During his life, Jake played defensive tackle for the Poolsville High School varsity, was the School President, and an honors student. He went on to attend Virginia Tech where he double majored in Political Science and History. As an intern for his Junior Year, he worked for Senator Warner in the Senate of the United States. He returned to school, and was elected the School President.

He attended and graduated the University of Maryland for Law School, and was admitted top the Maryland and Virginia Bar Associations. After several years of Personal Injury work, he went off on his own and set up a Real Estate Practice.

Jake was also the coach of the girls basketball team at Poolsville High School, and the current President of the Poolsville Chamber of Commerce. We will be burying him on Thursday. The family will be in mourning from Thursday through Wednesday of next week.

Judy and I were very close to him. We were with his mother, Judy's sister in the hospital tonight, sitting with him. It was hard to comprehend that he was dead even as we were in there with him. We did it to get some closure, and I'm glad we did. On the other hand, mothers and aunts & uncles aren't supposed to bury children. I'm going to stop now, because I think I'm getting a little squirrelly, if that's a word.

21 comments:

WanderingGirl said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I'm glad you, Judy, and his mother will be there for each other.

Wicked H said...

I am so terribly sorry to hear about your nephew. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and Judy and the rest of your family.

My sincerest condolences.

Lee said...

Oh I'm so sorry...my thoughts are with you. Life is just terribly unfair. Warmest wishes.

Deb said...

Condolences to you and yours.

Glamourpuss said...

CEO, how dreadful. I am so sorry. Sending you a big hug.

Puss

MJ said...

CEO,
I am so sorry to hear about your nephew. It is hard to loose someone that you love.. and so damn early.. Please know that you are in my thoughts.. take care
MJ

Claudia said...

I am so sorry to hear about your nephew. It's never easy to lose someone you love, especially so unexpectedly in life. My condolences...

cmhl said...

I am so incredibly sorry about your nephew. what a tremendous loss for your family and for the world. I am so, so sorry.

M@ said...

It is a word. Sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

M,

Our thoughts are with you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Oh, I'm so sorry for your loss. He left this world far too soon.

Many hugs.

Odat said...

So sad, and so young...Glad to hear you got to be with him...that's special.
Peace and hugs.

Pickled Olives said...

I am sorry for you and your family's loss.

mist1 said...

I am so sorry.

Itsnopicknick said...

Hey CEO, what a terrible loss-not only the person he seemed to be but to you personally. I hope you get through tomorrow ok...thinking of you...

rebecca said...

oh my gosh....i'm so sorry to hear of this sad news. i am glad you're with family to grieve, remember and celebrate your dear nephew.

we'll be sending you prayers.

Eris said...

Ceo: My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am very sorry.

Echomouse said...

I am so very sorry. This is tragic.

I'm sorry that I didn't get here sooner. Please know that I'm keeping you and your family in my thoughts.

Crankster said...

Jesus, CEO, you just gave me the shivers. Jake was two years older than me and went to the same school I attended. In fact, we share the same majors. I think I might have had a class with him.

Wow.

I hope you're doing okay. Give yourself room to be a little squirrelly.

M@ said...

Peace to you.

Unknown said...

I just today learned of Jake's shocking and untimely death, from a notice in a UM Law School alumni publication. I am so very sorry. I googled his name and found your blog. We were classmates and graduated together from Maryland Law. I regret to say that I did not know him well, though I do distinctly remember him as a kind person and able colleague. Please receive my belated condolences and prayers for his family, and may he rest in peace.
Respectfully, Paul R. Rivera