Jacob Michael Zemla

When you had Jake Zemla for a friend, you had a friend for life. Sometimes wild and always upbeat, Jake’s enthusiasm for life was matched only by his devotion to his friends and family. Jake’s deep love for his family, his unshakeable loyalty to his friends, and his boundless energy will live on in the hearts all those who had the privilege of knowing him, inspiring us to follow in his example – living with vigor, living life to the fullest, and taking each day as a gift.

Jacob Michael and his twin brother Zach were born on February 1, 1990. Their proud parents were James and Rebecca (Zwolensky) Zemla, of Owosso, Michigan. Even from a young age, Jake was a ball of energy. In fact, as a kid his punishment would be doing crunches, which his parents hoped would burn off some of his excess energy! Jake and Zach were very close, and naturally assumed complementary roles: Zach was the thinker and Jake was the doer. In other words, Zach would come up with a crazy idea, and Jake would execute it. Jake loved playing practical jokes, but he always knew where to draw the line. He was a good-hearted kid, and wouldn’t dream of doing anything to hurt anybody.

When the time came for Jake to go to school, he attended E.E. Knight Elementary School of Elsie, Michigan. He didn’t care for school in general, but he did enjoy the social aspects. Jake was talented athletically, and enjoyed wrestling in middle school. In his free time, Jake loved all kinds of outdoor sports and activities. He and his family went camping across the state of Michigan, and had a house at Lake St. Helen. Jake was an avid fisherman, and his favorite spot to drop a line was Marl Lake, near Higgins Lake in Roscommon County, Michigan. Back at home, Jake was known for his dare-devil stunts with snowmobiles and quads.

The years went by, and Jake found himself at Ovid-Elsie High School. He still didn’t like school – he wasn’t a big fan of authority. He was interested in computers and electronics, however, and pursued this on his own time. Jake made friends easily, and kept them. He was a good listener, and always there for his friends when they needed them. Outspoken and forthright, he gave honest advice, and was known for trying to “Dr. Phil” friends who were having problems. Jake was very protective of his friends and family, and would drop everything to lend a helping hand if needed.

When Jake was in high school, he met the young woman who would be the love of his life: Brittany Jones. Jake was usually shy around girls, but in this case he had an in – Brittany was his best friend’s sister. Jake and Brittany started dating in 2007, and their friendship gradually deepened into love. They were married on November 21, 2011, in St. Johns, Michigan.

Brittany loved Jake’s sense of humor. Even when she was in labor, Jake kept her laughing and relaxed with “advice” such as “you might feel a little pinch.” Their beautiful baby girl, Alvacie, was born on June 19, 2012. Jake was as proud as could be of his daughter, and loved being a father.

Loyal and kind-hearted, outspoken and full of life, Jake was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a true friend. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by the countless people whose lives he touched.

Jacob Michael Zemla passed away on August 14, 2012, following an automobile accident. Jacob is survived by his wife, Brittany; his daughter, Alvacie Zemla; his parents, James and Rebecca Zemla of Elsie; his siblings, Lisa Zemla of Flushing, Justen Zemla of DeWitt, Zachary Zemla of St. Johns, Scott (Kari) Zemla of Owosso, Christopher (Tanya) Zemla of Corunna, and Wesley Beckman of Arizona; two grandmothers, Gertrude Zwolensky and Donna Donaldson; and his great-grandfather, Bill Chanda. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Louis Zwolensky and William Zemla.

A Funeral Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 18, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Ovid, with Fr. Raymond Urbanik presiding. Burial will follow at St. Paul Cemetery in Owosso. The family will receive friends on Friday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Houghton Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes in Ovid. Memorial donations may be made to Jake’s family. Please visit Jake’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/82606, where you can learn more about his life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.