Jacob Hayes

JACOB HAYES

Cedar Rapids

Jacob Hayes, 39, of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Burlington, died at 9:42 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids from hypothermia following a tragic car accident. Born April 7, 1977, in Macomb, Ill., he was the beloved son of Douglas D. Hayes and Susan B. Cohoon.

Jacob worked for Four Oaks and REM Treatment Center in the Cedar Rapids area, where he was committed to his work helping individuals with developmental disabilities.

A graduate of Coe College, Jacob received his bachelor's degree in religion and psychology.

Jacob was a rugger, a joker and a philosopher; a caretaker and a friend; an uncle; a brother; a son. He found joy in playing rugby for the Cedar Rapids Headhunters and in working with and mentoring troubled teenagers. He had a heart of gold, and his love for his nieces and nephews knew no bounds. Jacob had an inquisitive mind and was an unorthodox thinker. Books, his constant companion, fueled his dreams, his worries and his voracious appetite for knowledge.

Survivors include his mother and stepfather, Susan (Dennis) Cohoon of Burlington; his stepmother, Margaret Hayes of Normal, Ill.; one brother, Patrick (Angel) Hayes of Palm Desert, Calif.; two sisters, Christine (Adam) Ralston of Iowa City and Kelly Marshall of Michigan; one aunt, Sandy Greiner of Washington, Iowa; one uncle, Eliot (Marlis) Duncan of Wisconsin; three nephews, Blake, Justice and Quran; four nieces, Aaliyah, Erin, Indira and Alice; significant other, Carlos Villa of Cedar Rapids; five cousins; his clients at REM and Four Oaks, who received his love and support through the years; and countless rugby teammates whose time on the pitch never will feel quite the same without Veg.

Jacob joins his father, Douglas Hayes; and all his grandparents in the afterlife.

Loved by all, but only truly known by few, Jacob was all heart. A deeply sensitive soul, his early hurts and recent losses weighed heavily on that fragile soul. Taken far, far too soon, may Jacob find peace and comfort now.

Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh-Thielen Crematory in Burlington.

Visitation will be from noon to 7 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 27, at Prugh-Thielen Funeral Home, 3940 Division St., Burlington.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions in Jacob's name to the Marion High School Rugby Club or Foundation 2.

Prugh-Thielen Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Jacob's obituary at www.prughthielencares.com.

The world was better with Jacob in it. He will be sorely missed.