It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we remember Andrew D. Jacobs, affectionately known as Andy, a man whose life was a testament to kindness, dedication, and unwavering love.
Andy was the head Cross Country coach at Orem High School, a role in which he inspired generations of students and athletes through his leadership, encouragement, and genuine care. His influence extended far beyond the athletic field—he was a mentor, a friend, and a pillar of strength for many in the community.
In addition to his coaching career, Andy held significant roles in the business world, serving as Director of Strategic Accounts at Vanguard Protex Global and as a Senior Business Operations Analyst and Regional Sales Operations Manager at Boost Mobile.
His professional journey reflected his versatility, intelligence, and commitment to excellence. A proud resident of Orem, Utah, Andy studied Business Management at Western Governors University, exemplifying his lifelong pursuit of growth and learning.
Born and raised in Orem, Andy’s roots ran deep in this close-knit community. His warm personality, combined with his dedication to helping others, made him a beloved figure among students, colleagues, friends, and family. His legacy is built not only on his achievements but on the love and kindness he shared with those around him.
Over the years, Andy faced ongoing health challenges, most notably heart problems that he openly shared with his community. On August 4th, he underwent open-heart surgery to replace his aortic valve, perform a bypass, and address arrhythmias with a maze procedure.
Unfortunately, the surgery did not go as planned—the heart was unable to re-establish a normal rhythm, necessitating the placement of an external pacemaker. Despite this setback, Andy remained resilient, sharing his journey with honesty and gratitude.
He expressed hope that his heart would reconnect naturally, but his condition remained fragile. Currently, he was in the ICU at UVRMC, awaiting a second surgery to implant a new internal pacemaker, with hopes that his health would stabilize enough for the procedure to proceed.
In heartfelt messages shared with friends and loved ones, Andy revealed his determination to survive and thrive despite his battles. “We all have our battles,” he wrote, emphasizing his resolve to face adversity with “heart.” His honesty, strength, and positivity served as an inspiration to many, reminding us all of the importance of resilience and hope.
Tragically, in the early hours of this morning, Andy passed away peacefully. His departure has left a void in the hearts of everyone who knew him. His family, friends, colleagues, and students mourn the loss of a truly extraordinary person.
They remember him as a devoted husband, loving father, caring grandfather (“papa”), and a coach whose influence extended into every corner of their lives. His kindness, mentorship, and unwavering support have touched countless hearts, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
The Orem High community, in particular, feels the sting of his loss deeply. Andy’s presence was a source of strength and inspiration for students and staff alike. His legacy of love and dedication will forever remain woven into the fabric of the school and community. As one of his many friends and supporters said, “He was and is a great soul,” and his memory will live on in the lives he touched.
In this difficult time, his family has expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from all corners. They ask for privacy as they grieve and process their loss. While Andy’s physical presence is no longer with us, his spirit, kindness, and the lessons he shared will forever be etched in our hearts.
Andy Jacobs’s life exemplifies the power of love, resilience, and service. His legacy of kindness and dedication will continue to inspire all who knew him. We honor his memory and celebrate the incredible life he led—a life filled with heart, purpose, and love.
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