Jacob came to visit Alex and myself in Orlando, Florida while we both worked at Disney World. Alex had to work, so Jacob and I went to Hollywood Studios and got to meet a whole bunch of characters. And of course, what other pair of Mouse Ears would Jacob be wearing? STAR WARS, of course!

Jacob and Alex went on a few camping trips with Alex's parents.

Hi, I'm Chelsea. I am Alex Bowman's older sister and captured some memories throughout the years of the gang. So I will be sharing those on here as I find them. Many fun times including card games, birthday parties and BBQ's, were held at the Bowman household and these are captured from some of those moments.

As part of my healing, I went back through the messages between me and Jacob and we were always calling each other besties. Even though he could be a turd sometimes, he was a bestie to me and I will miss him very much, always.

Back in the days of iPods, Jacob used to come over to my house and load my iPod up with his cool music because he was right (even though I never would’ve admitted it at the time), he did have good music taste. Even then, when he would leave to go to college and I was still stuck in Gresham in high school, this music would play and it would tug at my heartstrings.

New Year’s Eve together, of which we spent many during our high school / college / young adult (for him) years.

Jacob was my prom date my senior year of high school. I was dating Cameron at the time, but he was already 21 and not allowed to go and Jacob, as the youngest of the group, offered to be my date. He matched my dressed with me, got me flowers, danced with me the whole night and made the night memorable. That’s the kind of friend he was.

Jacob,

Your family will miss you everyday and will always keep you in their hearts! I didn’t know you very well, but as my brother’s son, I’m am positive that you knew that you are loved! Rest in peace, nephew!

Your Uncle Joe

My cousin Jacob was one month younger than me, but throughout our lives when we would catch up, we realized how much a like we were. In a way, I was like getting to know myself through another's eyes. I really value the memories we shared and created a d will always think of him in October. When I celebrate the fall colors and the changing of colors, I'll think of him. 

All my love to the Rivas family. - Marissa

The big game and the pizza that followed.   Almost a year later we still talked about that pizza.  Haha

My memories of Jacob vary from driving around Fresno  to going to the Oregon zoo via public transport.  The thing I will remember most however is his love of Pokémon.   While other things come and go those little pocket monsters were always there.   

Jacob was, is and always will be a Pokémon master.  

While he may not be able to join, I can only imagine he would be happy if everyone loaded up Pokémon Go and found a legendary raid to do as a team.  He was always ready to join.

While I’m disappointed to not be able to attend the memorial service for Jacob, I wanted to take a moment to share a few photos and some memories. Jacob and I spent five years together and I remember him as a kind, driven, caring person who wanted to make the world a better place. And I know that he did. His enthusiasm for the things he cared about was infectious, and that is how I will remember him — pure joy while eating a hamburger, flying a kite, or playing with Ritz.

This is Jacob with colleagues (Matt and myself) at a rally in Salem for increased school funding in 2019. We are lucky to have been able to work alongside Jacob for 7 years. He is deeply missed and deeply loved. 

Sara Whelan
OEA Organizer

What a wonderful young man, Jacob was. I met him through OEA. He was always so friendly. I am so sorry for this great loss. Sheila Daniels - Willamette Falls Uniserv  OEA

This is a photo Jacob took of Eugene Education Association's Executive Board, at our retreat last summer. We loved working with Jacob. His positive attitude and energy brought fun and a sense of, "we can do this!" to all our projects. He will be greatly missed.

Jacob was my best friend in middle school. We spent countless hours on the phone and hanging out. One of the funniest memories with Jacob was making an osmosis video for a science class (I think this was in middle school?) Jacob totally took charge in directing and making this ridiculous video. I was so embarrassed but we had a lot of good laughs and I think we even got a good grade. 

My condolences go out to Jacob’s family and friends. May he rest in eternal peace. 

I got to know Jacob through mutual friends Sophomore year at Barlow. We were in honors classes and PE together, and he always made these a little bit brighter with his smile and humor.  

One of my favorite memories was playing Quidditch. 

I remember Jacob in high school and he was the kindest person to everyone. He was always welcoming and made people feel comfortable around him. My condolences to friends and family. 

Jacob I’m so sad to hear you are no longer with us . 
I have only good memories about you my friend ,
I send your family my sincerely condolences 

Jacob was a main character in the best years of my life. As adults, we lost touch but I’ll never forget my childhood neighborhood friend. Hours upon hours of sitting and waiting at speech & debate comps that turned a lot of us into forever friends. He never failed to include me and make me feel seen and I think that was his superpower. To his family, thank you for sharing him with us. I’ll treasure the memories. 

Jacob was a thoughtful, kind, smart, sarcastic, hilarious friend. I am so grateful for all of the memories we have together, so many of which were firsts for me. My first festival, my engagement weekend (pictured here), my wedding.. the list goes on. Miss you and love you, Jacobo!

Jacob is the absolute best! We went to 3 different festivals with him and he was the glue that held us together. It seems like Jacob has been there for all the most important times in our life (Shelby and Harper). We will miss him dearly. 

There were so many times that a random song would be playing from a playlist or the radio, and Jacob would say, “I saw this band live one time!” Here’s us at the Death Cab for Cutie concert in June. 💙

I had never been asked to couples skate before so Jacob took me. He tried to take me to places I had never been and to accomplish things I hadn’t done. He was my best friend my senior year of high school and into college.  We became close because of gym class (he was a Junior) and we were in a combined class.  We were such close friends that eventually he became my boyfriend while I was in college at UW (I don’t remember how long) and a short time while he was at OSU. 

I was very sorry to learn of Jacob's passing. He was a star organizer with OEA. He was personable, kind and upbeat. I have no doubt that he will be missed by many,  and I'm sending sincere condolences to all of those who lived him. 

Regards,

Jim Fotter
OEA Executive Director (retired)

OBITUARY

Jacob Daniel Rivas

October 29, 1991 – August 14, 2023

Bateman Carroll Funeral Home

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