Jacob “Jake” Michael Grant, 28, of Albany, New York, passed away Friday, July 5, 2024. He worked at Curia as an analytical chemist. Jake grew up in Bedford, Va. and Radford. Jake was preceded in death by Nonnie and Daddy Ralph who were special great-grandparents to him.
Jake is survived by his mother, Erin and stepfather Jamie Dooley; brothers Luca, Landon, and Levi; grandparents Michael and Teresa Moldenhauer and J.T. and Gloria Dooley; uncles and aunts Zack Moldenhauer (Zadie), David and Denise Moldenhauer (Clara, Adele, Malin), Jonathan Moldenhauer (Desiree Tornetto), Heather and Mike Dooley (Coleman and Charlie) and Melissa and Chad Bickford (Jesse and Kel).
He is also survived by his father, Mike and stepmother Tara Grant; sister Haley Smith (Drew) and brother Thomas Grant; grandparents, Gary and Dianne Grant, Kenny Edwards (Evee) and Linda Edwards; uncles and aunts Andy Grant, Angie Edwards (Alvin), and Tommy Edwards; and first cousin Heth Grant (Annie and Baby Declan).
Jake was the life of the party! He knew how to have the best time and make others smile. He lived in the present and always sought the next adventure. Jake loved everything outdoors, especially in or on a river with his favorite fish slaying partner, his dad. Jake was an avid fisherman and no matter where he was, he was looking for water where he could cast his line.
In high school, Jake enjoyed playing golf, running track, and being a part of a championship soccer team. After graduating from Radford High School in 2014, he graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelors in Biotechnology in the spring of 2019.
Jake will be remembered for his contagious smile, joy for life, big hugs and the love he shared with us all. His presence will be deeply missed but his memory is unforgettable and will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. To know Jake was to love Jake. Jake will live on in the hearts and spirits of all his siblings and lifelong friends that meant so much to him and likewise.
There was a Celebration of Life in Bedford at the Bedford Area YMCA on Friday, July 12 and today, Saturday, July 13, 2024, 1-4 p.m. at Claytor Lake at 4337 Towes Ferry Road, Dublin, 24084. In lieu of flowers, get outside, be present, and go on an adventure as you celebrate Jake and the lives he touched. Honoring Jake feels impossible to do correctly because we can never truly capture the way he made us feel.
