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Jacob "Jake" Zinn

February 10, 2022

Jacob “Jake” Zinn, age 42, passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 10, 2022, in Gainesville, Florida.Jake was born in Mangum, Oklahoma but spent most of his life in Gainesville, Florida.On August 3, 2002, Jake married the love of his life, Shannon at First Christian Church in Gainesville, Florida. On January 22, 2003, they welcomed their first and only son, Caleb, now aged 19.Jake saw the beauty in all his favorite things: sunrises/sunsets, the moon/stars, the ocean, and nature. Jake also had a passion for music, which he passed down to his son. Jake loved to spend time with his family, his friends, and his dogs: Heineken and Thor. On most weekends he could have been found cheering on the Florida Gators and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Jake was a very dedicated family man. He loved and cherished his family beyond measure. One of the most amazing things about Jake is that he never shied away from telling people how he felt about them. He never let a day pass where he didn’t say “I love you” or “I’m proud of you.” Jake felt very deeply called to help people. He spent most of his adult life working in phlebotomy and delivering medical equipment to ailing members of the community. Jake was a beloved member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. He often volunteered with the youth group.Jake was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Phillip R. Zinn and Elfreda Zinn as well as his maternal grandfather Louis “Gib” Midkiff.Jake is survived by his maternal grandmother Wanda Midkiff, his mother Nancy Zinn, his maternal uncle Louis “Lou” Midkiff and his sister Stacey Free (Andrew Free). Jake is also survived by the two most important people in his life: his wife of almost 20 years Shannon Zinn and their treasured son, Caleb Zinn.Jake’s final wishes were entrusted to Crevasse's Simple Cremation in Gainesville Florida. A memorial will be held at a later date.In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in Jake’s name. Cards/donations can be sent to The Zinn Family c/o Holy Trinity Episcopal Church 100 NE 1st Street Gainesville, Florida 32601

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  1. I miss you so much, my love. I never wanted to do life without you but now I have to learn how. My heart is shattered in a million little pieces. You were my best friend, my husband, my biggest supporter and my shoulder to cry on. You were my soul mate, my true love, my person. You changed my life for the better and I will never stop loving you.

  2. Jake, thank you for allowing us back into your life, after so many years, with open arms. I’m so grateful that I got to see you and enjoy what time we had together. You were a part of my life for so many years and you probably have no idea how much you have impacted me. Thank you for helping raise me, and thank you for always being there to let us know you loved us. No words can describe your place in my heart. I love and miss you, Kristi ❤️🤟🏻

  3. Jake, you are already missed by so many. Fly hi our friend…enjoy those beautiful wings God has given you…until we meet again! Love Nate, Angel, & all the kids!

  4. To the family my prayers are with you during this time. Shannon I can't imagine all that you and Caleb are experiencing right, but know that I send all my love, good karma and warm hugs. I love you all.

    Ashunti Douglas and family.

  5. Shannon and Caleb,

    Jake was one of a kind. His generosity of heart and spirit will be his greatest legacy.

  6. Jake was like a brother to me. I've known him almost 30 years and miss him so much. We lost a wonderful person. My heart hurts for you Shannon and Caleb. I love you both.

  7. Jake was a great friend. We miss and love him dearly! Shannon, Caleb, & Nancy you are in our prayers and thoughts!

  8. My heart and thoughts are with Jake's family. Jake was a rare man, who loved with his whole heart. The world is a darker place without him.

  9. This is still so unreal. You are one of the best brothers in the world that anyone could have asked for. You’ve been apart of my life for more than half of my life. You’re were a good husband and father, but even more so you were a good role model as to how a husband and father are suppose to be. You are the most loving and caring person we ever got to know. We love you and miss you so much Jake! 

  10. Shannon and Caleb,

    Jake was one of a kind. His generosity of heart and spirit will be his greatest legacy.

  11. Jake was a great friend. We miss and love him dearly! Shannon, Caleb, & Nancy you are in our prayers and thoughts!

  12. Jake had a large but gentle presence at Holy Trinity. His love for, devotion to, and pride in his wife and son were very evident, as was his love of the Lord. It is hard to believe that this kind soul has already moved on to his new life. My sincere condolences to Shannon, Caleb, and to his whole family. I know that losing him has created a gaping hole in your hearts that no one and nothing else can fill. May God give you strength and comfort as you try to adapt to life without this wonderful human by your side. May his spirit be with you always.

  13. Miss you, Jake.  I could always count on you greeting me on Sunday morning at HTEC. Peace to you and prayers for those who loved you!

  14. Your passing was too soon for us. You were a great son from another mother!! We will miss you so very much! Fly high Jake and watch over us all until we meet again.

  15. Greg and I send our deepest condolences to you all during this painful time. Jake was such an amazing and caring soul. Knowing him as your “little” brother when we had sleepovers and Shenanigans at your house back in the day Stacey…..I can say that later on I was so proud of him when I would see him because of the Man he became. He was always such a caring soul, Brother and Son and then became an amazing Husband and Father. His personality and sense of humor always brightened my day! He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. I pray that the hole you feel in your hearts right now will be replaced by great memories in the future. I love you all, and pray for your peace and comfort during this horrible loss.
    Laurel

  16. Shannon and Caleb,
    May you always the great memories you made together, the adventures you shared, the smile and love you had for each other. Sending loves of lots and big hugs from across the miles. Love JJ

  17. Jake, you are missed by so many. I thought I would hear another “Dad” joke, which were painfully funny, get one more bear hug.  I always admired how much you were really there for Caleb and Shannon. You were the Dad who wore the “free dad hugs “ and meant it. I know you are watching over your loved ones right now. (  Put in a good word for me. )  it’s hard to stop writing… Love you. My heartfelt condolences to Shannon, Caleb and all of your kin. Hugs, Kat

  18. Jake, I miss your hugs. You left this earth to early. I miss our talks. You are just truly missed.  

  19. Jake you were a wonderful person with beautiful big heart! And a loving husband and father. A kind person to everyone you met and a wonderful animal lover too! We will always miss you. Always in our hearts and fondest memories. Rest in Peace my friend.

  20. TJ and I send our love to Shannon, Caleb and the entire Zinn family. Jake was one of a kind and will be missed dearly. We could go years without seeing him, run into him around town, and it was like no time was lost between interactions. We would just pick up where we left off. Jake was as genuine a person as you could find. RIP Jake!

  21. Jake was an amazing coworker. He instantly became family. We spoke of his family very often. There wasn’t a day I would asked how Shannon, Caleb & Nancy were doing. He always managed to reach out or get in touch when it was most needed or had a good joke to tell. Such an amazing soul gone way too soon…know i  think of you often whenever Tupac or Du Hast comes on. May you live on in our hearts and watch over us from above! 

  22. Bro you are so missed. I’m sorry the way things went with us. You are on my mind a lot man and hope you are having a blast in heaven bro. 


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