Just clowning around…as usual. 😜…🥲

Some of the many good times we shared. I’m so thankful for them all. 🙏

So happy I was able to be apart of Jake’s life. The impact he had on mine has been amazing. 

We went to lunch at Jake's favorite Japanese restaurant today to celebrate Jake's life. We love and miss you Jake. Melissa,Leslie,and Sarah. 

We're still thinking about you mister! We love you 

I first met Jake about a year ago, when I went over to the new guy I was dating.. Michael's house.  Jake greeted me at the door with a hug (during a national pandemic) then I knew he was different in a good way.  We both were like 'yea nice to meet you, no I still hug during COVID' lol.  I quickly learned two tall handsome gentlemen like guys lived in this house and loved each other.  I got to see their brotherhood first hand and it was literally heart warming, hilarious and annoying at times. 
 I got to spend time with Jake and with Jake and Michael.   He was always there for you if you needed anything and always greeted you with a smile or a joke.  He quickly became like a brother or guy friend that I felt I had known for years.  I work with people everyday and this is not common or the norm.  He was down to earth and just a good person.  I'm thankful I met him and witnessed this brotherhood,  I will miss him and won't forget him.  

I most remember Jake from a few youth camps that we went to. He always had a contagious smile on his face, and it would go from that to goofy and all laughs in seconds. That guy could pull some funny faces! He was always a pleasant guy to be around, liked to have fun, and was kind to everyone. No doubt his absence will leave a void. May God comfort the Serban family and all of Jake's friends that feel the loss. 

So many of us talked about Jacob’s hugs and I want to tell you all that I am also one who experienced Jacob’s warm hugs. Many times when he hugged me, I would ask him how much taller he was planning to grow. As every year was passing I was getting smaller in his arms. Truth be told Jacob was the tallest of Serban’s while I was the smallest. Not that I am small by regular standards. I knew Jacob since he was a baby. Our Leleu children grew together with the Serbans. It’s only a couple months ago Gabi and I were talking about all the birthday parties we did for our kids at Chuck E. Cheese. Even after we moved to Bay Area we always kept in touch. I remember when we came to witness and celebrate Jacob’s baptism. I was so happy for Jacob that day. And In my heart I wished so much that my children would follow his example. I also remember visiting Jacob after he bought his house. Only a few weeks in and that house was a beautiful home inside. I had a feeling his mom had a hand in it since I know her to be a natural home designer. And talk about being fit.. I was always into exercising but I had nothing on Jacob. This guy had muscles of steel. I still remember John bragging about doing the Mount Shasta summit with Jacob and Josh when they were only teenagers. Jacob was at the top of his game in every endeavor he took. A manager in banking, a supervisor in respiratory therapy, a body builder in fitness. But I also know that Jacob desired so much to follow Christ. Some of you saw pictures of Jacob building a cross. Yes, Jacob built a wooden cross and then he carried it in the forest on his property. There he raised it up from the ground and under it he made his place to meet His Lord Jesus. 
This is the Jacob I knew. If Jacob has gone too soon I believe he is gone only for a short while before us. I also believe that together with Emanuel and all of our other loved ones, they are waiting to welcome us. 
I love you Jacob! 
La revedere, 
Tanti Mariana 

I worked with Jake at YRMC in Prescott. He was an amazing supervisor and a wonderful RT.  A healthcare job is sometimes a thankless job but he made sure to let all of us know we were appreciated and thanked us many times for doing what we do. And in turn we thanked him for standing up for us and giving all of us a kind word of encouragement. 

He was such a caring and sympathetic guy, I was going thru some health issues and he always made sure I was feeling ok to work. It’s rare to know a young guy like that still exists. 

Soon after he first started working at YRMC I was walking into work and I overheard 2 young nurses say ‘ have you seen the new RT, he’s so cute’. I smiled and had a chuckle as I walked past them. 
A couple weeks later I told him what I overheard and he blushed like crazy…it was sweet to see him so shy and humble about it. 
We all miss you very much Jake

I don’t remember when I met Jake.  He had such a personality that made you feel like you’ve always know him as soon as you met him.  

Jake was full of energy and always smiling. Most memories I have of him, are him trying to make someone laugh or smile by telling a joke or doing something goofy.  

I remember him often interjecting old-school Romanian words in his sentences that struck a cord with those around him, making them laugh at how outrageous these words sounded.  

I also remember the goofy faces he made and his large smile that made it hard for you to not smile back.  He sought to bring joy to everyone around him.  

Jake - you are and will be missed. Rest in peace.    

““For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 
- Romans 8:38-39

Jake was my brother from another mother. We first met at an RBYA Colorado camp in 2008 and from that moment we knew we were destined for greatness!

We shared many interests, including devouring sushi, riding motorcycles, playing volleyball, anything involving adrenaline or just doing things for the fun of it.

One distinct memory I have of Jake is at another RBYA camp at Oakhurst. He showed up in a white Lincoln limousine, full of the youth group from the Sacramento church. Only Jake would show up to a camp in a limo and make everyone laugh! 

He was always such a welcoming person, every time our youth group came to Sacramento for an event, we were welcomed at their house with a massive bear hug and big smile.

Since I heard of his passing, I’ve been getting random flashbacks of memories we shared. There’s so much to write about, I just wanted to touch on some highlights:

- The time he bought a motorcycle but didn’t want his parents to find out, so he hid it in his room by his bed. 
- The many times we picked on Joy any chance we could get.
- The times we would blast music in his Passat with the crazy subwoofers. 
- The time we named one of their crazy little dogs “Crackie” and started messing with it.
- The many times we stayed up late talking about life and our plans for the future. 
- The time both Jake and Joy came to Portland for Lydia’s and my wedding. 

Jake, I’m going to miss you more than you know! It was hard being there at your memorial service today, but also so encouraging to hear so many similar stories from other people whose lives you touched in a meaningful way. Rest in peace my brother. I love you! 

Romans 8:18
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us”

I am so grateful to have gotten to know you Jacob. Jacob we have so many great memories and I’m so happy to remember and cherish them.  


We always had a blast working at wells. It made work so much more fun. A few of my favorite memories with you was going to the salt river with all the Wells Fargo peeps and also bowling at Dave and busters. You always liked to have a good time with all your friends and always made sure we were all having fun too. I’m going to miss our spontaneous taco Tuesday nights, late night trips to in n out and movie nights. You will always have a special place in my heart and I am truly going to miss hanging out with you. I know you’re in an amazing place now. Rest easy my friend. 

Growing up in church together with the Serban family, Jake always had a smile on his face and wanted everyone around him to smile as well. I remember going to youth camp with him and playing or doing skits he would always make a joke or do something silly and just make you laugh, I know you are making people smile in heaven now and we will see that smile again one day, thank you for all the smiles and the laughter you have given me, I will forever remember that smile and the kindness you show to everyone around you.

Jacob was part of our church and I met him personally during his job in construction in Bay Area ! He was a very hardworking guy and  his height  was a big advantage , helping the crew at all times! I still remember his words when we would see each other in the morning : ce faci mãi ?( what’s up dude ) smiling all the time ! He would talk so proudly about his family !He was  for a  short period of time in construction , he told me he would do something greater than construction, which became probably his dream few years ago: respiratory therapist ! Another  memory of Jacob I have was when one Sunday after church he hit my car and we  were so laughing because it happened so short after the service :) he was so responsible and respectful and solved the issue like Christians would do!!jacob you will be missed ! I hope one day I will see you in heaven!
John, Gabi , Josh, Joy, Jesse, and the whole Serban family , words can’t express our sympathy but I pray the Lord will comfort you and heal you all! 
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
‭‭psalm 34:18! With love, Dragomir family !

When I was growing up, I always looked up to Josh, Jesse, Jake, and Joy. To me, they always seemed like “The Cool Guys,” and whatever they did, I wanted to do too. 

I remember that Jake, in particular, would always be the one who genuinely cared about us kids, and would personally come up to us, ask us how we were doing, and play and spend time with us. He was always SO much fun to hang out with, and he always made me feel safe whenever I was around him. 
(I think part of that is due to the fact that I was a kid, and his voice was so deep and he was so tall, I felt like no one could stand up to him 😂) 

One particularly fond memory I have of Jake happened at a fourth-of-July party some years ago. At the time, I was a strong 7-year-old swimmer, but I hadn’t joined the swim team yet, so I wasn’t able to do things like diving super deep. While we were all in the pool swimming, I watched Jake (the super tall dude he was) shoot like a rocket under the water, back and forth, and secretly wished I could swim like that. He came up to me afterwards and asked if I wanted to swim like he did. When I asked how?  he said, “Hold on tight to my back, I can swim for us both!”  I had so much fun swimming that day! It was such a small thing he did for me that day, but as a kid it meant so much. (Obviously it meant a lot to me, I still remember it to this day!) 

 I miss Jake so much, I can’t believe he’s gone. Josh, Jesse, Joy, Gabby, John, I’m so, so sorry. I’m so sorry, I can’t say it enough. It hurts so much to even think that he’s not here, I can’t even imagine what you guys are going though right now. I’m sorry.

This is a blessing from the Bible, my favorite one. I’m praying this for your whole family right now:

“May the Lord bless you 
And protect you.
May the Lord smile on you
And be gracious to you.
May the lord show you His mercy
And give you his peace.”


Jake and I grew up together, he was my big brother and I was his little sister. Granted we each had our own siblings, but we formed that bond that never died. Jake always had a way with making you feel loved and taken care of. 

I vividly remember speeding down the road to Lincoln (IYKYK) and Jake turning around asking if we wanted a massage. Joy and I were so confused until he turned up his music and his entire back seats would just vibrate giving you the best massage ever. He looked so proud the entire time 😂 I will never forget that haha. 

We have so many memories that I wish I could write (like him convincing us that apple bottom jeans and boots with the fur was the coolest outfit a girl could wear, taking late night dips in the pool with everyone, or watching the entire season 1 of prison break in one night) but I would take up this entire page. There are no words to describe how amazing his soul was. I loved him like my older brother and will always cherish the times we spent together. 

John, Gabi, Josh, Bella, Joy, Emi, and Jesse - y’all will be in our prayers daily ♥️ we love y’all so much! 

Christopher & Olga Hostiuc 

After someone passes, a lot of the memories make them almost angelic. Which is great actually, to remember the best parts. But Jacob was special for more than all beautiful things written about him. 
Jacob was a man. He wasn’t clothed in white, spotless and floating above all the wreckage of this world, unaffected. And that’s what made him special. That’s why I looked up to him. Jacob was more sensitive to the pain of the world. He was created and chosen to carry this burden, and it was heavy. I know because we shared so much. Some days he had to fight for that smile. He would show up for people even when he just wanted to be alone. He would fall, like us all, but always got up, continued to fight.  He was like some spiritual and emotional warrior, sword in hand, feet in the mud. He was special because of the positivity he exuded even if in the valley of darkness. When afraid, he faced it, not asking for pity, but trusted in God and carried on no matter how heavy the load. 

Lately I’ve heard from his family how much he spoke of me. It’s humbling, an honor, but sad and even shameful because I have days of self pity, of not showing up when I’m overwhelmed. Jacob would be on the battlefield of life, bloodied and bruised, but he would come running if you needed help. Even if wounded, he would suck in the pain and show you his best. Jacob was built like a warrior inside and out, but he fought with love, smiles, and faith. He was special not because of all the amazing traits we’ve listed. He was special because he fought for every one of those traits. No matter how hard life was, (like right now for us) he would always stand on the battlefield of life, there with us, to watch our backs, to help us through, to carry us if needed. Jacob left an imprint on each of us, and it was one of love and strength. That’s how I remember him, not as an angel, but as a man who was so strong nothing would keep him down. “Jacob, you used to look up to me, but now I look up to you always."

Jake, I will never forget when you showed up to my wedding when I thought no one would. You stopped by to say congratulations and to tell me you loved me. I have always looked up to you Jake, I have always loved you, no matter how far apart we were. Jake, you may be gone but a part of you still lives on in the hearts and minds of those that love you. We will never forget your big smile, we will never forget your kindness, and we will never forget your love. You may not have known it, but you have affected many lives, including mine. When I felt alone, I could trust that you still loved me, when I felt abandoned I knew you would still tell me that you're there for me. You inspired me to be strong and push myself, to work hard and to not give up. You may be gone, but the things you taught us will live on forever. "Savage"

Jacob, you were perfect exactly the way you were. I wish I told you what a bright shining star you were to so many people. I cherish the times we spent together. Sending so much love to the Serban family and huge hugs. Love you all.  

Dear Cuz,

Just this greeting alone brings back so many fond memories. That was always our way of addressing each other, “What up Cuz!!!”. But when you said it you really meant it and you could tell because your big smile was the giveaway.  If we went down a checklist of all the best quality attributes that one would hope to obtain in this lifetime you would have pretty much had all of them checked off the list. So I can sit here and try highlighting them beginning with your genuineness, compassion, love, high energy, amazing sense of humor,  easy going attitude…but I have to stop myself because I can literally sit here and go on all night if I were to try and list them all. You were one in a trillion, unmatched, unequaled, there will never be another Jacob, no one will ever even come close, not even by a little, impossible. You were a special gift from God, a true blessing and a joy. You brought my heart just that, plenty of joy and I loved you deeply and sincerely. Thank you so much for the memories you gave me, I feel so honored and grateful to be able to cherish them up until we meet again. You made being amazing look and seem so easy and effortless, you were just a natural. I struggle with that often but now in hindsight I realize what a great example you were to me. An example of how we ought to not sweat the small stuff in life, enjoy it, and live it to the fullest. Your humor and goofiness was one of the many ways you loved to experience life. We used to crack each other up, all the time, that’s like all we did. LOL! I’m gonna miss that and it’s gonna hurt that you didn’t get a chance to experience my little girl, she might be goofier than the both of us combined! LOL! So I’ve told myself that moving forward when I goof with her you can take the credit, let’s just say your goofing with her through me. I tell her who you were and that you both would’ve clicked like she does with me. Your spirit definitely lives on Jake. With love, your Cuz.  


I remember when we both lived under the same roof and you were more of a brother than a cousin to me. At that time, you probably didn't know, but I was always excited to come home from school and hang out with you. Whether it was watching movies, playing basketball outside in sandals, or getting some late night food... you were always down to hang out with me. You made me feel really special, but I'm no exception, you made everyone around you feel very special. 

You moved out, and we still hung out from time to time like the good ol' days. I wish we had a lot more of those times. You reached out to me to congratulate me on my marriage and how everything went during the tough year of 2020. On 4th of July, I told you that I couldn't wait to finally formally introduce my wife to you. That day now is Friday, but this isn't the way I imagined it.

Jake, you will always be in my memory. You might not have realized this, but you touched a lot of people's lives, including mine. I made a promise to myself through this experience that I intend to keep true. You are now a driving motivation in my life, I want you to know that.

My prayers are with your family. They always treated me like one of their own and I want you to know that I will always be here for them. I hope to spend more time with them in the future and reminisce on the good ol' days but also make new great memories. I love you Jake, I'm waiting till the day we can play basketball again.

Jake had such a vibrant laugh. That’s what I will remember most about him. He always made sure everyone around him laughed. At family parties, he made sure to say hi to everyone. And he made sure no one was left out. Growing up, we spent a lot of time at the Serban’s house in Lincoln. Jake always made sure everyone was thrown into the pool at least once. Jake was a joy to be around and he will be greatly missed. 

I’ve known Jake since we were kids and attended the same church. He was one of a kind, always tried to make everyone smile, and genuinely cared about people, especially his family. Jake, you’ll be missed.  

To the Serban family: you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you and give you strength during this difficult time. 

Psalm 46:1  God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 

It is still hard to believe that this is reality. It has taken me awhile to find the right words to say because there is truly no way to perfectly describe the amazing person that Jake was. Not only was he my coworker but also a great friend who I looked forward to seeing every time with his vibrant energy, caring attitude, and willingness to tackle any obstacle. There are so many memories I won’t forget. We would relate on the struggles of working on our bachelor degrees and encouraged each other in difficult times. I’ll never forget our sushi night out or how he hummed a song when it was stuck in his head and the way a room smelled like his cologne (even if he walked out). He was someone you can always count on and I’m incredibly lucky and better for knowing him. 

Jake, tomorrow we were supposed to work together and I was excited to find out how your trip went but until we meet again…

Somewhere Over the Rainbow 🎵💜 

Jake was not only my nephew but because of his personality I felt that he was a friend as well. He could walk into a room and instantly make you feel good about yourself. When you talked with him he was always engaged and interested no matter what you were talking about. When we saw him this Thanksgiving he spent about 30 minutes talking with our daughter Abby about her successes and telling her how proud of her he was. She is 17. He always cared. He always took the time to listen. The world will miss out on such a great person. Jacob Serban will be missed by all.

All the memories put together will never be enough.   Too many missed opportunities to hug Jake or talk to him.  I am one of his aunts and I wish I spent more time with him. His presence was a magnet and he was never alone. He had the biggest hugs and smiles.  When I looked at him I always saw a young version of my brother Jhon, an amazing version of Jhon, raised by Gabi❤️.  
I regret not spending more time with him. I love everything about him.  
As Christians we do not believe God make mistakes.  And everything from Him makes us better. Jhon and Gabi, today it is hard to believe you will ever feel better. But you are going to be better, BROKEN but through God better.  You raised a courageous leader of man.  God will use him better than we could.   Amin for now. He will live forever. I love you.

I always felt accepted by Jake. He was one of the cool guys but even at a crowded party Jake always took time to talk with me and ask about my life.  He was never polite just for the sake of being polite. When he asked it was because he genuinely cared.

Jake did the same thing with my kids.  He was like a cool Mr. Rodgers. Jake would go down to their level and talk with the kids like they were important. He would take time to listen to them and play with them. 

Gabi and John, you accepted and loved me like Jake did (even though I’m not Romanian). When I think about Jake and the impact he had on so many lives, I see the time, effort and love you invested in him.

Jessie, Joy and Josh, I love you and pray for you and your parents every day. 

May our Lord Jesus, who cries with us in our grief, comfort you with his presence.  May our God, who loves Jake more than we can understand, bring you his peace. 

Jake I trust you with our Heavenly Father and will miss you until we meet again.

Remember that one time we raced our parents cars after watching Fast and Furious Tokyo Drift? How about that time we went to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and rode the Giant Dipper five times in a row just to get the perfect picture snapped of us? Or the time you moved in with us and became a fourth brother to me? 

I have so many "remember the time" I can share....I run through them every hour of everyday since I heard you were taken from us. Jake - you were the light of my life during some of my darkest days. You always found a silver lining in any situation. Your positivity and energy made everyone happier, myself included. Every chapter of my life was made better because you were apart of it. I'm not sure what this next chapter will hold, but your kind and energetic spirit will be with me every step of the way. Love you so much, cuzo. 

Sarica 

Jake and I talked on a daily basis. I would come in on my days off to talk to him for hours. I called him my Dr. Phil. We’d text late at times randomly about pitbulls, or the tv show New Girl, or anything on Netflix! He was my first male best friend/ brother I’ve always wanted. If I  needed something, or just someone to talk to, he was there with no hesitation. I never met someone so well mannered, professional, funny, motivated, successful… he had everything every  guy dreams of.  Anywhere he went he lifted the spirits, every room he stepped in was much brighter because of him. Jake was so special, rare gem.
He always talked about his family, and always tried to make time to go see them as much as possible. Jake loved and adored his family more than anything, and anyone I know. 
We also had our little squad inside and out of the hospital! One of the pictures I decided to share is all of us out to dinner grabbing sushi this past August 8. 
To the Serban family, it was an honor being apart of Jakes life, and seeing the love he has for his family brought joy. 

Jake, this doesn’t feel real…there will never be enough thank you’s for everything  you’ve done for me. You made me a stronger person, and always put a smile on my face through the best and toughest times. You made such an imprint on my life, and on everyone you’ve ever met. You saved so many lives, one of the best Respiratory Care Practitioners. I’m so lucky to have had you as my friend.  I love you, and I’ll see you on the other side, I’ll be the one pulling in with the purple lambo 😇 ❤️

From left to right: Jake, Bianca, me, and Chelby 💚 


My Sweet nephew, he is was such a precious   soul, I remember every time he would come over for meals and family gatherings he would love on me extravagantly and compliment how delicious the meal was.  Such a happy, thankful person. Every time I heard his voice it would lift me up. 
At this last Thanksgiving gathering,  he loved on me so much, more than ever before… it’s left  me with such a loving memory of him. 

My sweet brother and sister words are not enough… this is the most difficult tragedy you will ever face, but you are not alone. God is the strength you need holding you up, never leaving your side, and our faith that one day soon we will see Jake again. 
He is forever in my heart and I will never forget him. 
Love you Jake! Until we meet again ! 

I was Jake’s manager at the hospital. He was an angelic health care provider, in a very tumultuous environment.  He inspired teams and touched countless lives.  

I recall interviewing Jake, and pausing to calm his nerves, thinking  that he was one of the most dynamic people I’d  ever met.

As a father of twin boys I will always remember Jake saying that his father was the best man he had ever met. He was especially proud of his father’s ability to connect with people within the church. 

Lastly, having to endure his amazing hair! Bro would wear a surgical scarf all day and, whoof, a hand thru it and he had that hair looking perfect! He even offered to help me with mine and could give me a blow dryer!🤣

Prayers and condolences to the Serban Family. May God bless you all. 

Jake was such a wonderful person. He was always happy and such an easy going person. We would joke with one another about each others height (I am real short), and talk about numerous topics. He was approachable and easy to talk to. I am truly grateful that I got to meet and know him. He will be missed but his memory will be with us. To his family: I’m sorry for your loss; my sincerest condolences go to all of you. Matthew 5:4. 
Jake: I’ll see you again in heaven. 

Gone too soon, a legend turned myth. I'm so glad to have known you, to share the same blood. Your booming voice broke glaciers, a presence so vast; my cup overflows. 

I love you bro. 

SJVC's Respiratory Therapy  School. 
Jacob you will be missed! I know we share our faith together in Jesus and even though we were not perfect Jesus was our perfect sacrifice on the Cross. Until we meet again…. 

My sweet cousin Jake, gone much too soon. We didn’t have enough time together on this earth but the moments that we spent together were undoubtably always full of laughter and pure joy. Just as every person has written and will tell you, Jacob had a way to make you feel so incredibly special when you were around him. It was really a gift he had and something I’ve never encountered before and probably never will again. 

I remember he was the lead usher and MC at my wedding. We practiced for hours the entrance for my ceremony and he wanted to make sure it was just right and perfect. He would say, “let’s do it one more time just to make sure it’s right.” He cared so much for his family. He made everyone laugh while he MC’d the reception. My wedding day will always have been made more special just by having his presence throughout. 

The grief I feel is insurmountable. Words cannot express how much I will miss that incredible laugh and smile but most of all, your hugs. Those were the absolute greatest. 

To my uncle John and aunt Gabi and my cousins, Joy, Josh, and Jesse, I continue to pray that God grant you peace during this difficult time. Find comfort in knowing how much Jacob was and will always be loved. He made our lives so much better just by being in it. 

Rest In Peace Jacob; I will miss you terribly. 

Jake was my cousin; he was so sweet and had a contagious smile and  a guy who was easy to talk to with a good soul  this thanksgiving I remember how he was like a  big brother when I introduced him to my boyfriend and how he and I talked for a while about life and such and how I’m not so little anymore and so on . Still, I’ve always remembered Jake as the guy in the room to be an approachable, funny, gracious, friendly, and huggable big guy Jake will always be loved never forgotten and forever missed.

Jake was my cousin. He had a way to make you smile every time you would see him. His default greeting to me, in his unmistakable low voice was “ce faci ba frumosule?” It didn’t matter what mood I was in, hearing that greeting would make me smile every time.

This last week, through laughs and tears, I’ve rewatched the video we did together for Dani Velici’s wedding where Jake was the main character. Watching it, I saw again his big smile and incredible humor, and those will remain with me forever!

John, Gabi, Josh, Joy, Jesse, may God strengthen you and give you His peace that surpasses all understanding.

With Love, 
Marius, Tanya, Jayden, Ethan and Ezra

Saying goodbye is never easy, and my heart aches for the loss of a great friend.  My most cherished memories will always be all the times we hung out in Sunday school and  all the car rides to his house where we would talk about anything and everything.  Jake, you will be missed very much I wish that we had more time to hang out and catch up on all the good times we shared .I pray the Lord embraces the Serban family with peace and comfort in knowing he is in the presence of our saviour and that one day we will be reunited with him .

Jake…  my little cousin… he filled the room with a sunshine smile from the moment he was born. I remember meeting him for the first time, giant button eyes and a smile that stretched across from ear to ear. Contagious to say the least. It was just impossible to see him and not be filled with happiness and cheer. Memories race through my mind all bringing up good feelings. He was awesome with kids… they attracted to him. Maybe because his heart was like a  kid, fun, loving and sweet. My kids all loved him. Especially Sebi who has such fun memories of him, and Christalina who remembers him playing in the swimming pool together at Fourth of July parties.
 I remember one summer he came with Josh to visit us in Romania, while we were missionaries there.  Everyday there was hard work to be done, labor intensive work, and they would have to walk and take the public transportation back and forth, but somehow it wasn’t work for him he would always find a way to have a good time even while he dug trenches for foundations into the hard rock soil.  I’m
Sure he was exhausted but I couldn’t tell, he never complained, he just kept on and managed to also make the work more enjoyable for everyone around him. That’s just who he was. Whatever we needed him to do, he never hesitated.   
His warm hugs I will miss most. He had a way of making you feel important to him by just a sweet hug, he was so tall I would feel so small in his big arms. 
Looking through old photos and remembering  His laugh and silly faces and how he lived life to its fullest in every moment. He always made me laugh. Probably the funniest memory I have is him coming to my 80’s birthday party dressed with suspenders from the thrift store. 
He loved family. He would never miss an opportunity to hug my mom and grandma and ask,  in his broken Romanian how they were doing, because he genuinely cared to know. 
I will miss you Jake, forever in my heart! Can’t wait to see you on the other side, my sweet cousin. 

Always loved spending time with my cousins. 

He was truly loved. 

It’s evident from all the kind words written here how much Jake was loved by EVERYONE. 

With his big infectious laugh and smile you knew you were in a room with Jake and every room was better for it. I can’t name many people who cared about the individual as much as Jake did…he was the type of guy who would take the shirt off his own back for someone else in need. 

Every encounter with Jake started with a big hug and an immediate interest in how you were doing and it was always 100% genuine…Jake wanted all of his friends and family to be happy and well. I will miss my encounters with Jake, but will always cherish the memories. 

For the Serban family and all of Jake’s friends. I know this time isn’t easy and there are no amount of words written or said that can undo the pain we are all experiencing. I would like to leave everyone with a quote written by Dr. Elisabeth Kubler- Ross that helped me during another period of loss in my life: 

“The reality is that you will grieve forever. You will not ‘get over’ the loss of a loved one; you will learn to live with it. You will heal and you will rebuild yourself around the loss you have suffered. You will be whole again, but you will never be the same. Nor should you be the same nor would you want to.”

May god bless everyone suffering from Jake’s loss and Jake may you rest in eternal peace. Until we meet again. 

I spent the better half of my childhood in the same church, same Sunday school with Jacob. The Serban family have always been close to us. So saddened about his passing.  
Jacob always brightened the room with his sunshine of a smile. Even though I haven’t seen the man in over 10 years, that smile will be imprinted in my memories every time I’ll think of Jacob Serban. 

Jacob, bro I didn't think I'd meet someone cooler than me but it happened.   "Jake from State Farm" is what I/we would yell when we saw you walking up to the volleyball court.  From all our Saturday and Tuesday nights learning to "bump set spike"  and owning ppl while doing it,  to having a blast @ 6 flags which was the last time I went. You were always thought of as a great guy To be around!  Writing this is a bit difficult because I find it hard seeing through watery eyes.  Your passing is tragic but God called you home and he knows why.  My prayers of comfort and condolences go out to the Serban Family.

Jake is our cousin and we have no words to express our saddness. He was such an amazing guy, always so enthusiastic and loving towards anyone he met. He absolutely loved kids and especially our girls. They were in love with him and will miss him so much!! We will always remember all the get togethers at our house, his contagious laugh and good stories, the way he was making our girls giggle all the time. And man was he tall!!!! So handsome! 
We are sharing the same birthday and we will always remember him, especially on that day. 
You will always have a special place in our hearts Jake!! Will never forget you!

My favorite memory of jake was when I was a little girl and me and my uncles would all go on jet skies and have a fun time! He was always super nice always said hi and caught up to see and ask how everybody was he was such a sweet soul and will be dearly missed by my family! 

Jake was an incredible supervisor. He stepped into the role during a tough spot during the pandemic last year. He had the incredible gift of leadership and it reflected greatly when times were hard. He was always kind, compassionate, and a hard-worker. Even though I had only known him for a short time, I could definitely call him a friend.

Thanks for everything, we will definitely miss you!

Jake had the biggest smile, the loudest laugh and always had a joke or sly comment up his sleeve. When you were with Jake you could count on laughing. My husband Don and I only knew Jake for a short two years but those two years were filled with some of our favorite memories! 
Jake was never mad, he forgave quickly and loved with every once of himself. He would go above and beyond for us from buying lunches to being there through emotionally during one of the hardest times in our life(My miscarriage) 

We took a trip to Seattle with Jake and our friend Michael to visit Michaels hometown and to pack up Michaels things so he could permanently live in prescott. Not only did Jake take the time off work to be there for michael and travel 2 days back to prescott but we made the best memories on that trip. He had us try figs for the first time and thought we were crazy we never had eaten fig before, he spent probably $200 on sushi and ate every last bite which he may have regretted later😂  
Sushi and ice cream I believe were his two favorite foods. It never failed that he would ask to go get Ice-cream after dinner. 
In October of this year we went to probably the most extravagant wedding I think any of us have ever been to. I remember as I was nervous that we would all look like hobos compared to everyone else jake said and I quote “I don’t care what other people think I think we look good and chris will just be happy we’re here to support him” 
Jake lived life to the fullest. He didn’t care to much what people thought as long as he was doing the right and positive thing. 

Jake had such an amazing soul and I am truly sad to see him gone but am at peace knowing he is in the presence of our savior. That’s the greatest gift I think jake could have given us all. 

Jake was one of the kindest, caring and genuine person's that I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.  I'm honored to say he was more than just a supervisor,  he was a friend and even though I had only known him for a short while it was enough time to share thoughts, cares, stories, laughs and things we had in common. He shared a little about his wonderful family, his faith and what he truly cared about in life. He had a contagious smile, a calm about him, was a joy to be around and would give you the shirt off his back as evidenced by his desire to always want to help people. You were one in a million Jake and people like you don't walk into our lives very often but when you do you leave a lasting footprint that's here to stay in our hearts forever.  Rest in peace my friend, until we meet again someday. 

An Eternal memory until we meet again,
Those special memories of you will always make me smile. If only i can have you back for just a little while. Then we can sit and talk again, just like we use to do early mornings before a test or after a test and stress on how we did or how are we going to do or just about life in general. The fact that you are no longer here will cause pain but you're forever in my heart till we meet again! 🕊
Jacob and I were in school together COHORT 30. We spent countless hours together daily for 18 long months, he was not only a school mate but became a friend of mine. You will be missed Jacob.

Jake was a fantastic supervisor & great friend, he was very easy to talk to, funny, & genuine. He always made time to listen, & give good advise. 

Jake was an asset to the respiratory department, & he will be greatly missed. 

We only had Jake for a little while, but I know we will hold him in our hearts forever. 

RIP dear friend.  🙏 🕊 

"The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long." - Lao Tzu

Jake had a brightness about him. From the first time we met at work I knew he was kind and loving soul that liked to lift up others.

I remember once buying pizza for the RT department on a busy day and he left me a thank you note on the box. A second note said, " but whatever you do don't look in the microwave." I of course, immediately looked. A third note in the microwave said, "Ha ha! Made you look!" With a smiley face next to it.  

Just thinking about it still makes me smile.

Jake was my supervisor. He was a wonderful person,and will be missed dearly. Rest in peace my friend. 

OBITUARY

Jacob Serban

October 18, 1988 – December 8, 2021

Lincoln Funeral Home

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