Honoring Jacob Taylor Gillespie’s Life

Dearest Family and Friends,

As most know, Jacob Taylor Gillespie, unexpectedly and suddenly passed away on December 17, 2024. I come to you today, asking for your help. Jacob's family never anticipated this tragedy to happen and was not prepared to bury their loved one at such a young age of 26 years old. Jacob's mother, Kim, carried insurance on Jacob for most of his life, however in the recent months, she lost the ability to cover him due to his age. Jacob did not have any life insurance plan in place, so therefore, the family is faced with many financial challenges including the cost to hold a proper funeral Jacob and his family deserve. If you feel in your heart that you are able to help, I have started this GoFundMe for donations to help cover his funeral expenses and help my family through this devastating tragedy. Please know, there is no donation too small and anything is more than appreciated. I understand this is a hard request right here at the holidays, however, even if you are unable to help financially, I ask that you keep Jacob and his family in yours prayers.

Jacob Taylor Gillespie was born on June 3, 1998 at only 26 weeks gestation. Jacob lived in the hospital for the first three months of his life. Jacob's mother and closest family stayed by his side every day and night at the hospital and when they were finally able to bring him home. He was a fighter and overcame every obstacle he faced. At the young age of 6 years old, Jacob was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Diabetes is a very difficult disease especially with a child so very young. Jacob battled this disease for 20 years, spent many nights in the hospital, many days feeling ill and many days he just couldn't do anything. Jacob was so strong and never let his health keep him from living his best life. However, on December 17, our Lord and Savior called Jacob home to live his eternal life walking in His glory. To live a life of peace with no more pain and suffering from such an awful disease, God gave Jacob the tranquility he needed and deserved.

Jacob was so bright, smart, fun and loving. He loved Jesus and cared for others more than himself. Jacob loved to sing, rap and dance, no matter who was watching, and even though he wasn't the best at it, he did it with so much love, heart, passion and soul. Jacob could brighten a room with his laughter and love for others and brought so much joy to everyone he loved. He was a family man and to Jacob, nothing was more important. Jacob couldn't wait to have a family of his own, and on June 23, 2023, he was given the gift of his very own son, Elias James Gillespie. Jacob was the absolute best father and never knew a love so deep until he held Elias for the first time. Jacob wanted nothing more than to be the best dad he could to sweet Elias.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read this and any help that you may be able to offer. May Jacob Taylor Gillespie forever rest in peace.

"Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling; I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living."

Psalm 116: 7-9