Jacob Rey Pratt

On Wednesday, September 18th, Jacob Rey Pratt passed from this mortal realm and was received with open arms by his Eternal Father and family. The loss felt by his family and friends from his death at this time is only matched and superseded by the joys he has brought to those who know him and call him friend, brother, son, husband, and father.

Jacob was born in 1983 to loving parents, Allen and Debbie Pratt, in New Mexico and received into a family of brothers, sisters, and pets. At a young age, his endurance and fighting spirit were quickly known to the world when, through miraculous feats, he overcame and beat a sickness of spinal meningitis. Although it claimed his hearing, it never claimed his spirit or his sense of humor. He grew up in Montana, climbing the great heights of Glacier National Park and finding a love for all things outdoors. He loved bears above all other animals, and indeed, he was just like a bear in his temperament and ability to devote himself to his passions, working with his hands, serving the special needs community, and a deep appreciation of pure raw history. Above all else, a loyalty and fierce love for his family, he was a bear of a man. It was often his joy to shout with his voice and in sign language the exultant words of Shakespeare’s Henry V’s St. Crispin’s Day Speech, “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers.”

In 2004, Jacob was called to serve an American Sign Language mission to his people in California. In the letters he sent home, he exultantly told his mother while serving the deaf community, “I found my people, Mom! I found my people!” Throughout his mission and his whole life, Jacob served the deaf community. They named him J-Bear for his large, loving, and kind spirit.

During his mission service, he met the Macari family—a second family at the time with whom he loved and served. In March 2007, he became engaged to his friend and companion for life, Elizabeth Macari. Jacob knew the moment he returned from his missionary service that he would love Beth, this woman of fortitude, strength, and faith, for all time and eternity. They were married and sealed in the Mesa Temple in May of that same year.

Before long, Beth and Jacob were blessed to be parents; a joy they both value above all others. Heidi, Joshua, and Kira know in Jacob, a father who has wholeheartedly embraced his role as Dad. He loved that role from the moment he held each one as an infant to the infinite Dad jokes that made his children roll their eyes, and made him roll over in laughter. He played wholeheartedly with his children, and through this taught them all to smile truthfully with their whole faces. In all his children’s endeavors, Jacob was present to cheer from the stands or be the first to hear how well they played and performed.

In serving in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Jacob has been an effective teacher, leader, and minister for thousands of his brothers and sisters. At one time, he joined forces with his father-in-law, Tom Macari, and ran a small business providing reliable and quality handyman services. The fellowship and services they rendered together were greatly treasured by the people of Cache Valley.

At the time he passed, Jacob worked at JM Mechanical as an HVAC technician lead. His coworkers and bosses knew him to be reliable, professional, and a valued member of their team and family. They have since reached out to Jacob’s family in fellowship and service, and a commitment to continue serving his family.

Jacob took enormous pride in supporting his wife in her baking business, Beth’s Bakery. Thrilled, he would support her by playing with the kids while she baked, sampling the goods, and strengthening Beth’s resolve and reputation to succeed. Beth and Jake have always been seen as a team and unstoppable force as their love and passion for each other has grown in their seventeen years of marriage.

He was a man to love and work with all the energies of his being. Jacob, J-Bear, Jake and many other nicknames were assigned to him only after people came to know and love him. He is preceded in death, by his brother, Douglas Pratt. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth; his three children, Heidi, Joshua, and Kira; his parents, Allen and Debbie; and his siblings, Mary, Rachael, and Eric.

God be with you until we meet again, J-Bear. We can’t wait to hear your new stories. 

Funeral services will be held at noon, on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 1255 North 600 East, Logan, Utah. A public viewing will be held prior from 10:00 to 11:30 am. The graveside service will immediately follow the funeral service at the Logan Cemetery.

A GoFundMe page has been created to help support Jacob’s wife and children at the following link: Honoring Jacob Pratt: A Loving Farewell Fund  Please donate if you are able in the place of flowers.