Help Jacob's Family Cover Tragic Loss Expenses

A loving and dedicated husband of 19 months, an involved and thoughtful older brother to 9 siblings, a beloved and dear son, a well-loved son-in-law, and a dear friend to many; Jacob West touched so many people's lives and brought so much good into this world. Jacob approached life with his full heart and all of his energy. A BYU student months away from graduation, he and his wife, Jenny, who were married at the start of COVID had just booked their honeymoon a few weeks ago. Heart-breakingly, Jacob passed away unexpectedly in a tragic accident, cutting short a beautiful life of love and promise.

 

This past weekend Jacob went with one of his sisters to southern Utah to hunt for topaz. While trying to collect some topaz they had found, a nearby boulder broke off the mountain side, knocking Jacob down the side of the mountain and rolling over him. His sister sprinted down the mountain for help, but it was two hours before the life-flight arrived. Despite the efforts of the first responders, Jacob passed away.

 

Thank you to everyone who knew and loved Jacob, Jenny, and their families. We deeply appreciate your heart, your thoughts, your prayers, and your support. Donations made will be used to help cover medical and rescue expenses, funeral expenses, and helping Jenny with car payments and living expenses for the next while.

 

Jacob West: His Life and His Heart

 

 

All those who knew Jacob could feel his ambition, determination, and his commitment to push and live life absolutely to its fullest. Jacob gave his whole heart and all of his energy to every aspect of his life. Jacob had an intensely strong drive to make the most of his life: loving and strengthening his family, building his career to be able to provide financially for his family, connecting with others in this journey of life, having adventures and exploring God’s creations, living his faith and serving God, seeking to learn from everyone and everything, and striving to grow into the best person he could become.

 

Jacob was two months away from graduating with a degree in computer science (CS). Jacob was committed and driven in preparing for his future career so he could provide financial stability for his family. He put himself through school, working nearly year-round. He hit the pavement securing CS jobs and internships, ultimately becoming the technical co-founder of a business data company (nativeGRC), while still a student. Jacob had a lot of energy and excitement for the future of that opportunity.

 

Jacob was a dear family member and friend to so many. He made the world a better place wherever he went. One of the first things you notice about Jacob was how he radiated light and love. Jacob had a big and tender heart. Jacob’s relationships were his top priority in life. As a husband, his wife, Jenny, and their future family were his world. As a son, he was always thoughtful, helpful, and an ideal oldest child. As an older brother to 9 siblings, Jacob had an active concern for each of them. He knew them, he loved them deeply, and he was there for them doing his best to make their lives even better. As an in-law, Jacob worked to get to know his new family on an individual and personal level. He brought much joy and laughter to his new family. As an uncle he treated his nieces and nephews with great respect, making them feel they were important, noticed, and valued. As a friend he was very genuine and loyal, helping you feel seen and known.

 

 

In all of Jacob’s relationships he focused on connecting with the other person, being aware of them, and serving them. Jacob was intentional about his relationships and made a conscious effort to improve his relationships. He always looked out for the one: those who are cast out of the community or don’t have as many friends. Jacob genuinely loved others. When he was with you he made you feel like you were the most important and that he cared about you. He genuinely wanted to be everybody’s friend. If there was no limit on time, Jacob probably would have been friends with everyone. He was always inviting and involving everyone. If you met him once he was going to be your friend always. He would remember you and serve you.

 

Jacob was an excellent listener that sought for connection, to understand others, and to learn. He had a deep appreciation and respect for everyone in the room, regardless of age. Chatting with Jacob left you with an increase in hope and strength. Jacob was a deep thinker who loved real discussions. He also loved to laugh and play along the way of life.

 

Jacob was a fierce competitor with a strong work ethic. He gave his all to everything he did. No challenge was too big and no mountain was too tall. Jacob loved competition. For the most part he kept his competitive side at bay, but hints of it would manifest itself in games and sports. In high school Jacob won state in ultimate frisbee and played on BYU’s competitive ultimate team. Jacob loved sports, especially football, and was quite skilled at basketball. Jacob had become quite a fan of the Arizona Cardinals and would have been excited about Zach Ertz being traded to the team. Sports and games were a way Jacob would bring people together to bond. He found games that worked to include people of all ages and helped them to feel successful without changing the rules.

 

Jacob and Jenny: Their Love Story and Their Life Together

 

Jacob and Jenny met shortly after Jenny returned home from serving an 18 month, full-time church service mission. They were at a regional, young-single-adult church activity where Jacob was officiating the volleyball game Jenny was playing in. It was love at first sight for Jacob. When he saw Jenny he knew he needed to get her phone number. Jacob “worked the system” of the activity to get as much time with Jenny as he could and get her number. They ended up falling madly in love and refused to let COVID keep them from getting married and starting their life together. Jacob and Jenny had never been happier.

 

 

 

While being students, working year-round, and starting a company, Jacob and Jenny most importantly made time for making memories together. Jacob and Jenny were part of the BYU volleyball “ball kid” team, working BYU volleyball games shagging balls during play and sweeping the floor. In planning for their future after graduation they made trips to Arizona to explore the state and figure out where they might want to build their life and start their family. Some of their adventures as a couple included going out to the Salt Flats, hiking in Utah and Arizona, going to BYU football games, and going to an Arizona Diamondbacks game. Both Jacob and Jenny loved good food. They spent many hours in the kitchen cooking together and trying new recipes. They loved showing their love through sharing their food with others. Taking dinner to someone was a special date for them.

 

 

 

Jacob and Jenny loved being together and doing everything in life together. Whether it was hitting the gym early in the morning, making food, talking to family or friends, they were inseparable. Yet, they still loved others and would look to have others join with them. Jacob and Jenny would take Jacob’s siblings on one-on-one dates. They loved to laugh together and would watch shows that made them laugh. They were starting a rock collection and had started their own little cactus farm. They also enjoyed some of the quieter moments in life, enjoying each other’s presence and the beauty of the nature around them, sitting on a bench together overlooking the valley at sunset.

 

 

 

Forever In Our Hearts

 

Jacob’s passing leaves his wife, his family, and all who knew him with a hole in their hearts. We know we will see him again in the next life, but he will be sorely missed in this life.

Notes
This GoFundMe was set up by Amy Briggs, sister of Jenny Briggs West who is the wife of Jacob West. Jenny is the beneficiary of these funds. The funds raised will be used to reimburse the expenses incurred by Jacob's family (Jenny, The Wests, The Briggs) for the medical and rescue expenses, funeral expenses, paying off Jenny and Jacob's car, and Jenny's living expenses for the next while.