Jacob Christopher Knowles

Jacob Christopher Knowles—Jake Knowles—was born the first child of Nicole Christopher and Kyle Ariel Knowles on January 22, 1992, in Provo, Utah. Jake grew up in Salt Lake City, Lehi, and Layton, Utah.

While growing up, Jake moved from obsession to obsession, first with vacuums, then trains, then Pokémon, Magic the Gathering, and Yu-Gi-Oh! He had an appetite for words, and, combined with the card games he played, grew his vocabulary to that of someone two or three times his age. Jake’s love of words and art led him to write and illustrate a children’s book and design his own card game by the time he was 16. Obsessed with music, Jake played the trombone in junior high band then picked up a guitar and taught himself AC/DC and Led Zeppelin songs before writing his own songs and forming a heavy metal band in high school. Jake earned his Eagle Scout award and graduated from Layton High in 2010.

After short stints at Wendy’s and Walmart plus a couple of classes at the University of Utah, Jake was determined to work for himself and not for the man. During his twenties, while producing his own EDM music, Jake started and grew an online audio business by editing, remixing, and mastering music for artists around the world. He also designed, produced, marketed, and sold a series of greeting cards. 

Jake loved deeply those he was closest to and was always quick to lend a helping hand, buy gifts, thoughtfully say thank you for the smallest of niceties, and simply be there for others even in their most difficult times.

Jake had more artistry, wit, music and comedic powers in his pinky than most of us could ever wish for from our entire body. His mind raced ahead of us, yet he was patient and considerate and kind to everyone. Jake was a sweet, gentle soul despite his soul being tortured by mental illness demons. The demons were hidden and kept at bay for many years by Jake’s obsession with health and fitness—his disciplined weightlifting and eating regimen.

Those who knew him best, know that we were lucky to have Jake’s brilliant bright light shine on us while he was with us. For the days, months, and years of our lives ahead, the sun shining down on us will be a constant reminder of Jake shining down on us from heaven.

Jake is survived by his mother: Nicole Christopher; father and stepmom: Kyle and Jennifer Knowles; three siblings: Joseph, Miranda, and James Knowles; his sister-in-law and niece: Kortnie and Millie Knowles; his Grandma Georgia Christopher, Grandma Taylor, Nana Anna, Grandpa Jack, and many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who will miss him more than words can describe.

We love you, Jake. And if you have access to a web browser in Heaven, we hope you read these words and know this: You are loved. We hope you finally found the peace you’ve been searching for for many years. We already miss your artistry, wit, music and comedic powers—how you could turn the simplest of stories into comedy gold. We hope you are hanging out with Grandma and Grandpa Knowles, Grandpa Christopher, and the artists and musicians you admire. We hope you have access to all the guitars, amps, music gear, and music you love – that you are rocking out right now in heaven, writing, drawing, and making others laugh. We hope that your light and love shine down on us forever and that we can see you, hug you, and laugh with you again. We promise to smile when we think about you and consider ourselves lucky to have known you. We love you so much, Jake.

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Jake’s family is respecting his wishes for cremation and no funeral. We thank you for your condolences and compassion during this difficult time.

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In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Primary Children's Medical Center. 

https://secure3.convio.net/ihchs/site/Donation2?df_id=1566&mfc_pref=T&1566.donation=form1

Mental illness and suicide are real and affect millions of people each hour, each day, each week, each month, and each year. If you or someone you know suffers from suicidal thoughts, please reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by visiting 988lifeline.org or dialing 988.