My graduation pic with you. Our different hairstyles 😂

Missing you so much 🙏 This was one of my favorite photos of you.

Who knew… you did. You are still part of my life in so many ways and I know it’s the same for all of us. You are still a life long friend. I hope to make others feel the way that you made me feel. It’s without a doubt my now more mature and secured identity has slivers and sparkling parts of you so that when people meet me they also meet pieces of you. Thank you for everything. I will always love you. 
Your lifelong friend, 
Alyssa

Dear Jack, 
Today is your birthday and I can't help but reflect on how grateful I am to have had a friend like you. We met in New York City- I felt so lost and barely knew who I was. I felt like my various interests amounted to nothing and I was just another transplant still stuck in their adolescence. You confirmed that yes I was just like all other uni students finding an identity amongst the chaos of the city but that all my passions (and yours too as we shared many) meant something and that both of us mattered in the ecosystem of the MTA, bodegas, and your favorite boba spots. Instead of staying lost you explored. A lot. And you took me with you. I will always remember that hole in the wall you took me to in Chinatown. Cash only, no yelp reviews, and a bit sketchy but hands down the best Chinese place in the city. As per usual you ordered for us- I followed. I followed you to that piano in Washington square that had the sound projected downward so the best seats were directly underneath the piano itself. We laid down underneath, feet barely touching the pianist’s legs. It was late fall in freshmen year and it was the moment I knew we were going to be lifelong friends. You have no idea how monumental you were in my basic survival of those early college days. Beyond your infamous “okay, okay”s you came with the outmost support, wisdom, long calls, and the heartwarming mentality that a good meal with friends could fix any problem. I am the person that I am today thanks to you. You walked into any room with solid confidence so strong that everyone felt it. You had so much that you supported and lifted up others, highlighting opportunities and career paths that seemed impossible to them. I had no idea what the 17 SDGs were until you sat me down in your dorm room and said “I think you would be great at work like this.” Today I now work for the UN and talk about SDGs all day. Who knew… you did. You are still part of my life in so many ways and I know it’s the same for

How lucky I am to have you.  HOPE YOUR BIRTHDAY IS LIT!

Jack❤️dear, do you know who sent you favorite piano and drum sticks?  💗Hope you are continuing making and playing music 💗

Can’t believe we survived a whole year without your goofiness 

“…And it’s sad, so sad, there ain’t no easy way ‘round…”

We would always listen to Dodie together. She has a song called “rainbow”. Ever since then, I’ve always thought about you whenever I see a rainbow 🌈. 

A part of me still doesn’t believe, or refuses to believe that Jack is no longer with us.

When we first met at MUN, he never was afraid to be goofy and silly during conferences. After getting to know him more, I learned that he wanted to make people laugh, make people happy, and overall, make people feel good. We had always joked that he is “the dad” and it’s no surprise to me to see his other loved ones wrote similar thing.

He loved hard. His leadership and passion never ceased to amaze me. He had such a strong instinct to take care of  and show up for others. I wish he had let others to let him rely on the way he had always let others rely on him. He was a good friend and a good brother. He knew how to make people feel special and taken care of because he was caring, thoughtful, and way wiser beyond his years.

I still have the notes he wrote and the flowers he got me. How can a person like him be gone so soon? It didn’t feel fair. I wish we could have graduated together. I wish we could have gone on more adventures. I wish we could have more deep talks for hours where we forgot the beginning of the conversation. 

The things I would do to hear his voice calling me his sister jokingly just one more time…

I miss you everyday Jack. We all miss you with all our hearts. 

Part 2 of Jack's Farewall Speech

Let’s talk about caring. Every time he sees my grandparent, my parents, and my family. Always asking how we are doing with sincerity. Remember that I mention that Minecraft creation earlier. Is that not not showing how much he cares for mom? Jack is thoughtful and caring not just to family. I’ve heard him talk about his friends too.
 
I don’t know if many of you know this. He’s a dad….just kidding. Didn’t mean to shock everyone. What I wanted to say is that he has some dad qualities in him. My daughters loves his company. Whether playing games, learning the strings on the ukuleles, or simply goofing around. They think their Uncle Jack is awesome. When Nana and I broke the news about their Uncle Jack. They were so sad. My eldest, Jina immediately said that she won’t be able to play Mario Kart the same ever again. 
 
Jack, will always be in our hearts and memory. 
 
Please Uncle Li Hang, Aunt Yun, and Matthew, do take care of yourself and seek family and friends support if you need it. It’s sometimes hard to ask for it. I think everyone sitting here today are more than willing to help.
 
RIP Jack.

Hi All, Leaving this as a memory. My funeral Farewell Speech to Jack.

Part 1
All the family know who I am, but for those that don’t, I am Jacks cousin.

Both Jack and Matthew are very close to me. I don’t have any siblings, so they are pretty much like little brothers. I watched Jack grow up. He was always full of spirit and so talented in many things. I feel that in a Chinese Culture the kids are always pushed to becoming the best. 
 
-If you’re not smart, that’s not enough, you gotta do better and be smart. 

-If you are smart, then you gotta do better and be gifted. 
 
-If your gifted, that’s just won’t do, you need to become a genius.
 
That just never made sense to me. You can’t just work your ass off and one day become Einstein. What I’m trying to say is that Jack is a genius…just kidding. He’s not a genius, but I do think he’s gifted with some pretty impressive qualities.
 
READING: Ever seen him read. Boy~ could he read. Got some natural speed reading abilities right there. How many of you know someone that naturally speed reads. If you don’t, well you knew Jack.
 
MUSIC: A lot of you know he started with the piano then later fell an interest in drums. Ever seen him pick up another instrument or even tap on object that gives a “do re mi fa so” sound. He’ll play it for you. Might not be good at it, but he can play it. A lot of people even shy away from picking up a foreign instrument.
 
ART: I saw him make a Minecraft valley and lake environment for mom. I think it was a birthday present. It looked so cool, with lots of details. Got some talents for UX and game design right there.

What I’m trying to say is that school and training can teach you the basics such as reading, music, art, etc, maybe if you work hard enough, you’ll become an expert, but to love it and have that natural ability for it is a whole new level. Jack is at that level in many areas. Jack is gifted and I will miss all his talents and spirits he shows during meet ups and family gatherings.

Jack was the older brother I never had. He was this infinite chasm of comfort and charisma. He was the one constant that traversed miles and timelines. I met Jack at a MUN conference during my freshman year, and he instantly decided that he wanted to take me under his wing. We joked about how his was my great uncle in the complicated MUN family. I remember Jack would always introduce me as his weird STEM child who was in MUN for some reason.  Jack was one of the first people who wholeheartedly believed in my success and taught me the value of a found family (and how to write professional emails). He is someone I will never stop looking up to. His soft “okay okayyy”s will forever play on loop in my head. Every time I feel down, I hear him scoff and say something like “ok miss columbia” in that token Jack Li way. His last DM to me was “I believe in you 😤” and his last text was “I’ll come up to visit you.” Both are so resonant of how much Jack cared; I just wish I could have shown him that that care was reciprocated.

Jack was a fan of spontaneous coffee outings, and I’m so lucky to have had someone like him in my corner after moving to NYC for college. I remember the first time we got coffee, neither of us stopped complaining about the lack of trees despite sitting in the middle of WSP. Every time, it felt like this weird crossover and Jack would look at me like he couldn’t believe I was real, especially because I was in jeans instead of WBA. Thank you for everything, Jack. Thank you for texting first, yelling at me, and offering to fistfight my ex if ever necessary. I hope you found some happiness wherever you are. You deserve nothing less. I hope you know how much your friends and family miss and love you. I was truly so lucky to have so many years knowing you, Mr. Jack Li. I really do wish we could have grabbed coffee that Thursday. No worries, I guess this just means you owe me a coffee in the next one. 

Much love (I’m stealing this),
Sanya <3

Jack and I were dorm mates during our freshmen year at NYU, but our respect for one another really started to grow through writing. We shared a "Write the College Essay" class during our first semester in college, and both of us wrote for Washington Square News, NYU's school paper. His specialty was political opinion pieces while mine was creative nonfiction. Regardless, we appreciated each other's writing from afar and sent our rough works to one another for review sometimes. There was a calm poignancy in his writing that I found very admirable.

In terms of memories that are unrelated to work, I distinctly remember the time Jack, myself, and a couple of friends went to Central Park for an evening picnic. Sometime after we shared some sandwiches and chips under the shade, all the boys in our group decided to head to a nearby stream to observe whatever water creatures we could find. Since all the girls in our friend group stayed behind at the site of the picnic, Jack blurted out, “This is a man’s outing, boys!” Something about his slow delivery at the moment made the rest of us start laughing with him, although a small part of me was thankful that none of the girls heard him then and there.

To me, Jack is like a masterfully shot black-and-white sequence in a TV show where a shred of color pops out once in a while. The impression he left me was that he made no effort to hide his silently carefree attitude. In retrospect, it did establish a subtle distance between us as friends sometimes, but it did also make his outbursts of laughter and his more generally facetious moments much more raw. It was a pure, candid joy. 

Part of me wishes he was able to be a bit more open to me about his lower ebbs since we’ve both seen the view from halfway down, but there is solace in knowing that as long as there are honest, observant eyes and unexpected outburst of laughter in the world, he isn’t truly gone.

Thanks for being you, Jack, I’ll write you sometime.

I am visiting family this Thanksgiving and thinking of how years ago, the day after Thanksgiving, the holiday show, Jack and I were both in, Snowflake Lane would start. I am also thinking of his family and can hardly imagine how they are feeling this Holiday season. I am extending so much love to you. 

This is a photo my grandfather took at my ICS (high school) graduation in 2017. Jack had this amazing artwork - a drawing of a female playing drums that even lights up as a gift for me. Such a sweet gesture and I still admire this gift today.

I am thinking about you a lot, Jack. I hope you are still banging on drums!

I met Jack my first semester of freshman year. We had both showed up to an event that ended up being canceled, but once we started talking, it was like we had been friends for years.  When I was studying away in Washington D.C., I will never forget one phone call we had as we updated each other on our lives, and we both decided to look for apartments together. Living with Jack was always so fun, and his calm demeanor was a crucial balance in our apartment. I always tried to get him involved in any club I was doing, and was so excited when he decided to write for the school newspaper and join the Undergraduate Law Review. His work was always one of the best each publication had ever received. His fiery and witty writing and obvious talent were apparent in each article he submitted. On top of that, Jack was an amazing friend. He was endlessly kind and supportive, but also not afraid to tell you what you needed to hear.  I had never met anybody like him before, and I won't meet anyone like him again.

Jack's passing has been very hard on everybody, and he is deeply missed. Every death is incredibly difficult and tragic. Words can't articulate the grief we feel after seeing such an intelligent, talented, passionate, and kind individual's life extinguished so young. 

hey jack,
you know, one of my very first memories of us from when we were little is arguing with you over gifts at the shared pool party we had to celebrate our 6th or 7th birthdays since they were so close together (even though I'm older). well, i just turned 22 not even a week ago, but i still feel like I'm 12 whenever i remember all of our happy memories from childhood together -- me, you, michael, and matthew -- drinking sparkling cider during christmas at your old home, eating crabs at discovery bay, and running around your vacation house backyard gathering plastic easter eggs. i have so many fond memories like these, and i only wish we had more time together to make more. i guess it hasn't fully sunk in yet that we won't be able to celebrate special events like these together anymore, or update each other on how our lives are changing over the years -- I'm sure it will one day. birthdays, holidays, life in general will never be the same without you. we miss you so much, jack, and i hope you're having a wonderful day wherever you are, knowing that all your friends and family are remembering and missing you today. i will remember and celebrate you every year come november, and how you have always been one of my closest, sarcastic, and most comforting friends. happy birthday, jack!     love, sarah

hey jack,
you know, one of my very first memories of us from when we were little is arguing with you over gifts at the shared pool party we had to celebrate our 6th or 7th birthdays since they were so close together (even though im older). well, i just turned 22 not even a week ago, but i still feel like im 12 whenever i remember all of our happy memories from childhood together -- me, you, michael, and matthew -- drinking sparkling cider during christmas at your old home, eating crabs at discovery bay, and running around your vacation house backyard gathering plastic easter eggs. i have so many fond memories like these, and i only wish we had more time together to make more. i guess it hasn't fully sunk in yet that we won't be able to celebrate special events like these together anymore, or update each other on how our lives are changing over the years -- i'm sure it will one day. birthdays, holidays, life in general will never be the same without you. we miss you so much, jack, and i hope you're having a wonderful day wherever you are, knowing that all your friends and family are remembering and missing you today. i will remember and celebrate you every year come november, and how you have always been one of my closest, sarcastic, and most comforting friends. happy birthday, jack!     - love, sarah

Language lends itself least to what we want to say most; it’s the same with time, to a certain extent. This is a way of saying I wish I’d had more time with Jack and I wish I had more to say. He was the kid who sat in front of me in statistics class less than a year ago reading the New York Times and breezing through quizzes and exams — genuinely one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met, definitely one of the smartest and funniest. After our first test, we got juice and talked about politics for about four hours. After our second test, we did it again, but this time with coffee in the rain. We immediately clicked, which is a rarity at the purple school we both loved to hate. Not a day goes by I don’t miss you, Jack. I wish we were celebrating your birthday right now. I’m so blessed to have met you. 

Language lends itself least to what we want to say most; same with regards to time, to a certain extent. This is one way of saying that I wish I’d had more time with Jack and I wish I had more to say. He was genuinely one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met — definitely one of the smartest and funniest. I met him less than a year ago: He was the kid in statistics class who read the New York Times during class and then breezed through the quizzes and exams. After class, he’d turn around and pitch me opinion pieces for Washington Square News as I was still processing the stats lecture. We got juice after our first stats exam and talked about U.S. politics and Vladimir Lenin for about four hours. We immediately clicked, which is a rarity at NYU. We got coffee after our second exam and sat in the rain in Tompkins Square Park for hours talking about I don’t remember what. I’ve almost never had conversations quite like I had with Jack. I’ll always remember eating about six popsicles in an hour at Strawberry Fest while dancing in the rain to mediocre indie music. I miss him so much.

Son, May all your wishes come true ❤️Love you forever 

I can’t imagine the world without Jack. He will forever be etched in our lives!  I know we are all better because we were blessed with him in our lives.  Our deepest sympathies on this day, especially. 

I remember meeting Jack at a MUN conference when I was a freshman and thinking this guy seems really confident and really smart. And then when I ended up at NYU, we were both in international politics together. When freshman year at college was really isolating because of Covid, he suggested we get coffee and I don't know if he knows how much that meant. It was so refreshing to complain about the concrete of NYC and how the soil was uglier in NY. He was a really nice and silly and great person. I know we didn't see each other much, but I was greatly to have gotten to know you buddy.

Our family ran into Jack's family at our 2015 Northern Europe cruise trip.  We had a great time together.

Melinda was invited to Jack's 5 year old birthday.  They had so much fun climbing.

Jack was one of the first friends I met at NYU, and I always think that it was fate that led me to him. Even after being sent home from campus for a year because of the pandemic, we reunited as soon as we returned; our friendship was inexplicably strong even though we logically had no reason to cross paths at such a large school. We were from opposite ends of the country and in different majors...  but despite our surface differences, Jack was one of my closest friends.

We met through an environmental activism club that wasn't managed by NYU at all and didn't have any further meetings after the one we both attended, in September 2019. I'm extremely grateful that I decided to take the train to Brooklyn that day, and that the one meeting this club decided to hold was one that we both ended up attending. 

All my time spent with Jack felt like coincidence, like some higher power was rolling dice to decide where we would go next. We'd find ourselves in Washington Square, walking down 14th, at concerts, or in the back of the worst comedy show. We'd always talk about our lives and every single way the current political system was failing us. Jack was so impassioned about, well, everything; he'd tell me about lobbying and working in DC and how he was making a difference in all the ways that count, and I believed in him every time. 

This picture above is a polaroid of us at a cafe in Chinatown. I wasn't even out with Jack at that time, but he ran in to say hi after seeing something I had posted on Instagram and realizing he was just a block away from me. In this picture, we're holding a bag of raw fish that he had just bought at a street market. Once again, fate had brought us together in the strangest way; I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Thank you for everything, Jack. Thank you for being my first friend in a huge, strange, unknown city. Thank you for listening, checking up on me, and texting me first. I miss you every day. See you in the next one, yeah? <3

Jack was the person that you always wanted to have around you, no matter what you were doing. He was curious, intelligent, mature, and always full of surprises. My most cherished memories involve spending time with Jack and his family, and I would always look forward to the next time we would hang out. Jack's impact on our family as well as his community could not be understated. He will be dearly missed by his friends and family, and be remembered as an individual who always served the greater good.

When Jack was three or four years old, at one occasion I was in the same swimming pool with him. Suddenly something scared him and he jumped into my arms. I was surprised by his trust. From that moment on, he was like one of my own. Jack was five days younger than Sarah and they celebrated their 7th birthday together. It was a sweet and beautiful memory now frozen in time and treasured forever. There were times I secretly wished they might like each other and he would truly become family. Jack was such an intelligent kid and had exceptional articulation skills. When he shared his interests in politics, I got the opportunity to see his capacity to love, to serve and help. It’s such a huge loss not only to his family and friends, but to many people who he had helped, and who yet to be helped by him. He was loved. He is now with the loving Creator.

Jack, Election Day is coming, have you voted yet?

I must have been around 6 when I met Jack for the first time. For a while, he was just my older brother’s friend to me, but even still, he was always so nice to me when I would see him at our families’ get-togethers. When I started at ICS in sixth grade, Jack was starting there as a seventh grader. He made it clear from the very beginning that he would be there for me whenever I needed him. I was nervous and shy, but I knew I’d be okay because he would never fail to give me a quick hi in the halls, stop to talk to me, or check in when I was having a rough day. He had this bubbly, excited personality and amazing laugh that was completely contagious. One year, we were partnered as camp counselors and I remember how much he encouraged my quieter self to get out of my shell and have the best time I possibly could, and I did. Jack, I hope you know how much of an impact your kindness had on me over the years. May you rest in peace.
With love,
Aya

Jack told me that when he came to NYU he thought he was gonna meet some Asian girl and have a normal boring life. 
But then he met me, and we fell in love, and we always had so much fun together. 
I used to make Jack laugh so much. Making him laugh was my favorite pastime. I used to make joke after joke just to see him laugh. His laugh was intoxicating. 
I miss talking about our future. I miss talking about how we were gonna change the world together. 
I miss you. I’ll miss you forever. My first love. 

I love you,
Your Yang

My previous posts were deleted. 
So this is a repost. 

Jack, baby girl
You were the most beautiful thing ever. You were gonna be such a drop dead gorgeous drag queen. 

When you rapped, you just naturally were able to spit out verses! 
You really loved Meghan Thee Stallion. I’m glad you got to see her in concert. 

You always questioned what it meant to be an American. 

You were always such a busy body, it’s one of the few things we had in common. We always had to stay busy or we got depressed. 

You loved Kate Spade! You always wanted a Kate Spade purse. I returned the purse I was gonna give you for your birthday. 

I miss you so much. I miss kissing you on our tattoo. I miss stroking your hair. I miss watching tv with you, I miss showering with you and cooking you food. I miss your scent. I miss when you would steal my clothes. I miss the way you would play with stuff animals. I miss your laugh. I miss your smile. I miss your presence. I miss you. I miss you so much. I miss you so so much. You were my other half. My best friend. The yin to my yang. 
I feel like you killed a part of me with yourself. 
I keep looking everywhere for you.

I promise you Jack, that I will give you a legacy. I’m gonna make sure you’re not forgotten. 
I know you wanted to be a tree. I’m sorry that last wish wasn’t respected. I couldn’t do much. But your high school is planting a tree for you. I know it’s not the same but it’s something. 

Yours always,
Your yang/your other half

You will truly be missed. I never thought you would leave me so soon. You gave me strength during hard times, taught me to step out of my comfort zone, and most of all you were truly a loyal one and only brother who always stayed by my side.

Love you lots,
Your one and only brother ❤️

To the Li Family
I am sorry for your lost, Jack was a wonderful friend. Always so pensive watching out for me and checking up on me during our time at ICS. May he Rest In Peace

Jack and I bonded through playing percussion in our high school band and orchestra. I have fond memories of us laughing during band practice, asking him for help on a melody on the glockenspiel or timpany (He was always better at note-reading and understanding than me), and carpooling together to play snare drum in Snowflake Lane after school.

He was so sweet, talented, and passionate. He even got me a light-up decoration for me when I graduated. He, of course, was there playing drums during graduation. 

Jack, I am so sorry we lost touch the last couple years. I will always remember these memories of us during some of the most formative years of my life. 

I am sending so much love to his family and loved ones during this time.

Jack and I bonded over playing percussion in our school’s band and orchestra together in high school. 

I have fond memories of us laughing in band practices, asking him to teach me a melody on the glockenspiel or timpany (he was so much better at note-reading and understanding than me), and carpooling together after school to go play snare drum in Snowflake Lane together.

He was fun, passionate, and so talented.
He even got me a light-up decoration of me playing the drums when I graduated a year ahead of him.

Jack, I’m sorry we lost touch these past couple years. I will always remember these memories of us during some of the most formative years of my life.

I am sending so much love to his family and his loved ones during this time. 

Jack 有大愛，你這樣的男孩一定能在天堂找到清欢！

I have had the pleasure of getting to know Jack over the past 6 years as we attended the same high school and eventually the same University. We have shared a lot of experiences over the years from working together for our Model United Nations Club in high school to occasionally workout at the gym or walking in the park at University. To me, Jack has always been the friend to encourage me to do things outside of my comfort zone. In high school, he encouraged me to get more involved in our high school Model United Nations Club and to speak more at the conferences that we attended. When it came to getting in shape and hitting the gym at University, he would often encourage me to get involved with club sports and to push myself beyond what I thought I could do. That is simply who Jack was, he was always the one friend who supported you no matter what and the one who uplifted everyone around him. Jack was a big inspiration to me and a big reason for where I am today. I am forever grateful that our paths crossed and may he rest in peace.

Sending my deepest condolences.

While looking through some of my old things I came across a letter from Jack. During his first winter break back from NYU, we had met up for some coffee. He gave me an envelope with a letter in it, except it wasn't for me. He had written me a letter of recommendation and told me to use it whenever I needed. I've submitted it along with my application to countless organizations and I know that a big reason I got accepted was because of that letter. That letter has become an integral piece of my life, I really don't think I'd be where I am without it. He has always been so thoughtful and intentional. I hope I make him proud someday

We met Jack four times during the family visits between our two families. During these visits, we have witnessed Jack’s growth from a smart boy (in 2005 when he was 5, Li’s family came to tour Washington DC) to a vibrant teenager (in 2013 we visited Seattle and Vancouver and in 2016 here in DC). In the start of 2020, he came to DC with his family again for an internship in Congress, he grew up as an intelligent young man, looking exactly like his Daddy Li Hang as three decades ago, who was a middle and high school classmate to both of us. Both of our kids, Jill and Andre, still enjoyed the good time with Jack when they played games and chatted freely). We believe, Jack will continue to grow in heaven, without any worry or pain.  R.I.P JACK!

It truly breaks my heart that Jack's time with us was taken so early. When I reflect on my memories with Jack, something that stands out to me very clearly is how much zest he had for people and for art. He loved supporting and connecting with people. The first commission I ever had was from Jack when he paid me to paint his cahone. He was one of the people who showed me how art should be respected and celebrated. Even up to the pandemic, Jack worked with me to screen print bandanas for an MUN event he had. He was a fun, genuine, exciting person to be around, and it's clear how much of an impact Jack had on the people around him. The world lost a bright shining star. I am sending all my love to his family and friends.

Jack was such an amazing person. I became friends with him shortly after I suffered a great loss and at the time I was completely lost. Jack showed me how to take risks and he inspired me to aim higher, always. He was always so encouraging and kind. I wouldn't be the person I am today without him. Even in high school he was so wise, and everyone who crossed paths with him was truly so lucky. I will always look up to him. Rest in peace Jack, I'll look for you in the stars.
All the love,
Rithikaa


We are so sorry for the loss of your sweet, amazing Jack.  
It breaks our heart to know that his bright young light will not continue gracing our world.  We so enjoyed getting to know Jack & appreciated his kind, smart, curious & fun energy.  You are an amazing & loving family.  Greg, Quinn and I send our deepest heartfelt condolences, love, and the hope that you will find peace & strength 💐🙏🤍

ICS gang supporting Jack at Snowflake Lane

Jack is such a great kid. He is smart, he is enthusiastic, he is polite, he is affable and funny. We miss him so much! 

Jack has always been my best friend. He's always taken care of me; he's always made me laugh; he's always supported me in all of my endeavors. Jack was always one of the first people to congratulate me when something good happened and to ask how I was doing when something bad happened. Our friendship was a given. Something that had been around since almost before we could remember. It didn't matter if we went to the same school or not. It didn't even matter if we were in the same state or not. Jack was always reaching out to me and always encouraging me to go do fun and random things together or even just hop on a call and play video games. He never let our friendship fade away and I will always remember how amazing a best friend Jack was. I have never and will never meet anyone like him, he is my best friend forever.

Jack was probably the only person I've ever seen who was excited to get pied in the face. Instead of the shocked and stunned face I made when I got pied, Jack's first instinct was to smile and that smile was infectious. Even though there was a huge mess and we had to go try and clean whipped cream out of our hair in the bathroom, Jack couldn't wipe the smile off his face and I couldn't help but laugh  and smile even though I hated how my face and hair was all greasy from the whipped cream. Jack always made the normally unpleasant moments of life funny.

I remember the first time I met Jack, my first year of elementary school had just started and I was sitting on a bench at recess because I hadn't made any friends. Jack saw me sitting on that bench and brought over his whole group of friends and included me. We've been best friends ever since and he's always looked out for me, just like he did that very first time we met.

Jack was always such a caring person. One time when I passed out at Kamiakin Middle School, while everyone else stayed inside the classroom, Jack came out to make sure I was ok and waited with me until the ambulance came. Jack always took care of me over the years. He was at my side during all of my most difficult moments.

One of my fondest memories of Jack is spending time with him skiing on the ski bus. He was always encouraging me to go down the tougher routes and despite my pleas to go slow, loved to go down the hill as fast as he could, oftentimes falling over and rolling the rest of the way down. He was always more adventurous than I was and was always encouraging me to step outside of my comfort zone. When he stopped doing ski bus, I would often get lonely skiing by myself and miss the light and levity he brought to the mountain.

Jack would always be smiling right before a photo was taken and then as soon as we got ready to take it and everyone else started to smile, he'd stop to look serious and cool. Despite not smiling in pictures sometimes though, he was always smiling and laughing before and after the picture was taken. Whenever I was around Jack he was always making me (and usually a bunch of other people too) laugh and smile. Despite his attempt in this photo to look serious and reserved, I knew him to be one of the funniest people I've ever known.

I’m so sad to hear this. Jack was special. Very funny. I remember how much he made me laugh. The last time I saw him was at the Mitski concert in Seattle on Halloween in 2018. I was so happy to run into him. He was surrounded by friends and clearly having a great time. I’ll remember him smiling. Sending love.

Jack was my friend, family friend, and neighbor for a lot of years. He showed me how to play some video games that he liked, introduced me to his family’s dog, and invited me to many of his Fourth of July get-togethers.

I liked how Jack spoke. He wasn’t afraid to be straight up about his thoughts, and he had a lot of dry wit. I got the impression that he fit the culture of NYC well, and I really believe he would have done great things in politics or law. Also, he would have slayed as a drag queen.

When I hung out with Jack this recent summer, we bought a combo order of Ezell’s fried chicken to split after we had some sudden food cravings. Before we ate it, though, Jack insisted on driving all the way up the steep hills of Somerset to find this one particular spot he had in mind with the best nature views. The views and the chicken were both pretty good, and it was a really relaxing afternoon and a nice memory to have of him. Jack, you will truly be missed.

There are no words for such an unimaginable loss. I can't believe that talent young man was going away. Gone too soon — but his love lives on.

We lived in the same neighborhood with Jack's family when he was born, and we watched him growing up. Coincidentally, a few years after we moved, we became close neighbor again as Jack's family moved to a house just a few doors from ours. Jack has grown to be a slim, tall, handsome and confident young man! He was always kind and polite. During his family's July 4th party, he was patiently waiting at the entrance to direct guests to park. He entertained all his friends and made sure everyone had fun. He invited our son to visit him during summer and showed him around his new place. Jack is passionate and courageous, he told us how he knocked doors one by one to campaign for his candidate and how he would deal with people who are not so friendly. Jack is athletic -- I had the opportunity to paddle board with him once and he was very good at it!

We were so shocked and sad to hear the loss, and for many days we couldn't believe that had happened. Even though Jack's life was very short, he touched many people positively and had made an impact with his passion, energy and talent! We will always have a special place for him in our heart and will dearly miss him forever!


Jack, Andrew, and Carter at Din Tai Fung in Seattle after the college fair at the convention center. 

Jack and I met in high school Model UN— coincidentally sharing a school with the same name, the exact same car brand & model, and even almost having the same name. Despite going to schools on opposite coasts, Jack never hesitated to reach out to check in and stay involved in my life. I will always remember his kindness, humor, and tenacity.

I miss you Jack. Sending my sincerest condolences to the Li family. 

With so much sadness, we wish you peace.
-The Chisholm family


During our freshman year of college, Jack gifted me a magnet from NYC that said “A well-read woman is a dangerous creature”. I found his gesture to be kind, but ironic considering he was a lot more “well-read” than I could ever even hope to be. He was a true force and I intend to dedicate more time to reading and becoming more involved in social/environmental justice advocacy in his honor. 
My favorite memory of him and one of the last memories I have with him was from last winter break when we spent the day playing video and board games at his house while it was snowing outside. He always went out of his way to include me in his plans and made sure I never felt left out, despite the fact that we went to colleges on opposite sides of the country after graduating from ICS. I am eternally grateful for the kindness he showed me. I will always remember him, how caring and inclusive he was, and his love for listening to + playing Mia & Sebastian’s Theme from the movie La La Land :). My heart goes out to his family. 

With love,
Duaa

Jack will always be with us in our memories!

Jack was a lovely, intelligent and caring boy. We will miss you dearly.

Jack and I went to both middle school and high school together, though he was a year older than me. It wasn't until later in my high school years where we became friends, as he was the one to introduce me to Model UN at ICS and get me involved in political causes. He was one of my first (and only) friends from back home when I moved out to New York in the end of 2020, he was a source of comfort in a city I had no connections to and no family in. There are no words I could say to express how grateful I am for the time I got with Jack. He taught me to stand my ground and advocate for myself, how to care for the broader world than just the community around me, and he helped me realize that I want to work to better the lives of others once I graduate college, just like he did. His time here was too short and I will miss him so dearly, I wish him peace and happiness and I want him to know how badly he is missed by so many, he touched the lives of so many people and his impact on this world was remarkable.

Yun, Hang and Matthew - we are sorry for your loss. I enjoyed coaching Jack and I have fond memories of him throughout his teen years.  These images show Jack with his friends after we won the Redmond city basketball championship and after carving pumpkins.  Jack stopped by last Christmas to drop off a gift and we visited for a while. He was a kind and thoughtful person.
- The Forsmann Family

Jack was one of the first students I got to know when I joined ICS. He welcomed me and I enjoyed chatting with him and learning from him. I remember him as a skilled critical thinker and a passionate writer and researcher; mostly I remember his care for others. He left an indelible mark on ICS.  I’m so sorry for your unimaginable loss. May Jack rest in eternal peace. 

Words cannot express our sadness upon hearing of the loss of such a vibrant young man…so much talent yet to be shared. We’ll hold onto the many memories of jack, nick and the rest with all their goofiness from elementary through middle school… and basketball!  Our hearts are with you.     
Nick, Brad and Gail Whiting

OBITUARY

Jack Vincent Li

November 7, 2000 – September 6, 2022

Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home

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