Jacob Thomas Burns

Jacob “Jake” Thomas Burns, 29, of Jessup, Pennsylvania, passed away unexpectedly on September 23, 2026. Born on February 28, 1997, Jake was raised in North Wales, Pennsylvania, where he grew up surrounded by the family and friends who would remain the center of his world throughout his life.

Jake was a passionate person who embraced everything he loved wholeheartedly. From sports and history to music, golf, and spending time with family and friends, he had an endless curiosity and enthusiasm for life. He was a devoted hockey player, an avid sports fan, a dedicated worker, and, above all, someone who knew how to make the people around him feel loved.

Jake's love of hockey began at just six years old. He played competitively for the Hatfield Ice Dogs and continued playing for North Penn High School until graduating in 2015. His passion for sports extended far beyond the rink. An avid fan of hockey, football, UFC, and more, Jake loved not only watching the games but diving into the statistics, history, and little-known facts behind them. He could spend hours talking about the things he loved, and there was rarely a topic he hadn't explored in depth.

As he got older, Jake developed an equally passionate love for golf. The golf course was his happy place, where he could feel proud, accomplished, and at peace. He played whenever he had the opportunity and built an endless network of golf companions along the way. Some of his favorite rounds were spent with his mom, Maryellen, who he was thrilled to see take up the game in recent years; his dad, Michael, whose work managing his favorite golf course at The Hideout made Jake incredibly proud; and his brother Michael, whom he was always encouraging, especially when the game became frustrating.

Nothing compared to Jake's love for his family. He adored his parents, Maryellen and Michael, and his siblings, Emily and Michael.He and his brother Michael shared a bond unlike any other. Known collectively as "Michael & Jake" or simply "The Boys," the two were inseparable from the very beginning. It was almost unheard of to see one without the other, and when they were apart, people inevitably questioned where the other was. More than brothers, they were best friends and partners in life. They shared everything from getting into trouble and covering for each other, to cooking dinner, listening to music, playing video games, drinking beers, and laughing over countless inside jokes. They built a life together, and their bond was one of Jake's greatest treasures.

Jake's relationship with his sister Emily was equally full of love, though it was often expressed through endless teasing, ridiculous nicknames, and a little shadow boxing. He never passed up an opportunity to lovingly torture his big sister, but he was just as quick to remind her how much he loved her and how proud he was of her. When Jonathan joined the family, Jake welcomed his new brother-in-law with open arms. The two shared a similar sense of humor and could often be found egging each other on and getting into trouble at family gatherings.

Jake and his siblings shared an especially close bond with their cousins Quentin, Annalise, and Lea Zaengle. Raised alongside one another, they had been inseparable since birth, sharing countless childhood memories and family vacations. As they grew older and began building lives of their own, their beloved "Crazy Cousins Cult" grew to include Annalise's husband, Joe Sincavage, Lea's husband, Matt Nardo, and Emily's husband, Jonathan Price. Together, they created a lifetime of memories, filled with endless laughter, late nights, and more than a few shots. No matter how much time passed or how much life changed, the bond they shared remained as strong as ever.

Jake had a remarkable gift for making friends wherever he went. Social, funny, and endlessly outgoing, he was the life of every party and seemed to light up every room he entered. He was famous for never sitting down, always making his way around the room to talk with everyone and ensure they felt included. Often with a Miller Lite in hand, Jake had a way of turning an ordinary gathering into a memorable occasion. His circle of friends spanned generations and reached far beyond his hometown, a testament to the countless lives he touched. Those who knew Jake will forever remember the laughter, the stories, and the unmistakable joy he brought wherever he went.

Beneath his humor and larger-than-life personality was an incredibly selfless and generous person. Jake had a natural instinct to take care of others, often putting their happiness and well-being ahead of his own. Whether shoveling a neighbor's driveway, buying someone a drink, or inviting someone to join the family for a holiday so they wouldn't be alone, Jake found countless ways to show up for the people he loved. He never needed recognition for these gestures. Making someone else's day a little better was simply who he was.

One of Jake's greatest loves was his beloved black Lab, Piper. He doted on her endlessly, giving her an ever-growing collection of silly nicknames, including Pippy Doodle and Diaper. His love for Piper knew no bounds. He would even lie down with her in the driveway to take a nap so she wouldn't have to be alone. To Jake, she was family, and he made sure she always knew how much she was loved.

Jake also had an incredible work ethic. When he showed up to work, he gave it his all, putting everything else aside and getting the job done. No matter what might have been weighing on his mind, he was determined to show up, give his best, and make the people counting on him proud. He wasn't afraid of hard work, extra hours, or doing whatever was necessary to fulfill his commitments. That same dedication and wholehearted approach carried into every part of his life.

Some of the Burns family's most cherished memories are of the six of them sitting outside together on a sunny day, sharing beers, listening to their favorite music, and talking about everything and nothing. Jake was never shy about being sentimental or expressing his feelings. Whether through a thoughtful text, a long conversation, a world-famous Jake hug, or a simple "I love you" before walking out the door, he never missed an opportunity to remind the people closest to him how much they meant to him.

Those who loved Jake are left with endless happy memories, countless stories, and more laughter than they could ever begin to recount. His life, though far too short, was filled with love, friendship, and unforgettable moments, and his family and friends will forever be grateful for every one of them. While they wish more than anything that they had many more years to share with Jake and make a million more memories, they will carry the joy he brought into their lives with them always.

Jake is survived by his parents, Maryellen (Shortall) and Michael Burns; his siblings, Emily Price (Burns) and her husband, Jonathan Price, and Michael Burns, Jr.; his beloved dog, Piper; his large and loving extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins on both the Burns and Shortall sides; and countless friends who were fortunate enough to know and love him.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Robert and Anne Burns, and his maternal grandparents, Thomas and Florence Shortall.In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Children’s Craniofacial Association (www.ccakids.org), an organization close to Jake’s heart through his cousin Quentin.

Relatives and friends may call from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday October 7, 2026 at Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home, 701 Derstine Ave., Lansdale, PA 19446. A second visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Thursday October 8, 2026 at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Catholic Church, 1325 Upper State Road, North Wales, PA 19454 followed by Words of Remembrance at 10:45 a.m. and the Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment to be held at a later date.