Jacob Michael Szczygiel

Jacob “Jake” Michael Szczygiel, beloved son, brother, partner, and friend, passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 10, 2024, at his home in New Bern, North Carolina. Born on March 30, 1980, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Jake grew up with a zest for life, deep connections, and a profound love for the outdoors.

Jake attended Chelsea High School in Michigan before his family moved to North East, Maryland, where he graduated from North East Night School in 1998. He went on to earn a degree in Business from Salisbury State University, launching a successful career in pharmaceutical and medical sales. Jake’s career took him from Maryland to North Carolina, where he settled in Greenville, then later in New Bern, in 2019, to live out his dream in a waterfront home with his dogs, Remi and Sako.

Known for his warmth and magnetic personality, Jake was cherished by the medical community in Eastern North Carolina, where he served as an Executive Tissue Regeneration Specialist with Organogenesis. His career was more than a job to him—it was an opportunity to make genuine connections with people, share stories, and show his compassion for the wellbeing of patients.

Jake’s unexpected passing has left an immense void for the loved ones he held close. Just a day prior, he had spent a joyful Saturday hunting on his farm, proudly harvesting a “nice buck,” and sharing time with his partner, Kristen, and her daughter Jennings, whom he adored. That weekend, he’d shared laughs, memories, and heartfelt conversations with family and friends, which has made his loss even harder to grasp.

Jake’s love for the outdoors was boundless, and he reveled in the adventures and challenges of hunting and fishing. He made it his mission to create memories with those around him, embracing each moment with unyielding passion and care. He was the fun-loving uncle to his niece, Louisa, and treasured their shared explorations and mutual love for sour candy. Jake had recently completed a new deck overlooking Fairfield Harbor, a place where he could relax, reflect, and appreciate the beauty around him.

Jake is survived by his mother, Linda M. Szczygiel of New Bern, NC, his father, Edward M. Szczygiel of North East, MD, his sister, Hilarie A. Yoffe (Szczygiel) and brother in law, Abe Yoffe of Hampstead, MD, and his cherished niece, Louisa. He also leaves behind his grandmother, Helen Sojka of Dexter, MI, as well as many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends. Jake was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Edward and Gwen (Goetz) Szczygiel, and his maternal grandfather, Michael Sojka, whom he joins in peaceful rest.

A private gathering was held at sunset on November 13th in the yard of his New Bern home, where family and friends shared stories, prayers, and laughter—exactly as Jake would have wanted. His legacy of joy, friendship, and adventure will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jake’s name to the North Carolina Wildlife Federation to support the protection, conservation, and restoration of North Carolina wildlife. www.ncwf.org

To share a memory or leave condolences for Jake’s family and friends, please visit [website link].

Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the family and friends of Jacob Szczygiel.