Remembering Jacob Warbis, 1981-2020

Family and friends are remembering Jacob R. Warbis, gone at 38, and sharing this remembrance with the community:

In Memory of Jacob Richard Warbis, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and best friend
June 22, 1981-May 3, 2020

Jacob was born and raised in Coos Bay, Oregon, where he loved working on fast cars, playing musical instruments, and his pets.

After graduating from Marshfield High School in 1999, he continued his passion with cars, and later apprenticed to be a heavy equipment operator and truck driver for the family business, Warbis Excavating. Known by all as a “gentle giant,” Jake was beloved by many. An incredible storyteller, karaoke singer, athlete, master of a chainsaw, dirtbike, and mechanic. He was always willing to help any friend in need, an incredible listener, and could make friends laugh until they cried! He was a hard worker, and loyal to the core. He loved deeply and gave of himself entirely. He was hard to not notice with his 6’4” body covered in tribal tattoos, and a shaved head – but his sparkling blue eyes and beaming smile couldn’t hide his kind soul.

He moved up from Oregon nearly two years ago with his beloved dog, Max. Jake continued to pursue a career in trucking until the opportunity to train to be a chef arose via Fare Start in Seattle. He excelled and finished the three-month program at the top of his class. He worked many extra hours at the homeless shelter downtown and felt giving back helped him heal. He was given the nickname “Jacoby” so it stood out on the line when his teammates were shouting orders. He was hired to work as a line cook at two local West Seattle restaurants and was quickly rising up the ranks. The family will forever remember him hosting 12 people for Thanksgiving this year, where he planned every single dish – and was filled with love and pride for his new path.

He is gone much too soon. His heart was simply too big for this world. He is survived by his mother, Sannie Warbis (Seattle); father, Jerry Warbis (Coos Bay, OR); sister, Nicole Klein (Seattle); and nephews Jason and Andrew Klein (Seattle). In lieu of flowers, Jake would have loved for his memory to be attached to helping the homeless. Either by donating directly to the Fare Start program, or your own time or donation to your local food bank or shelter. There are no words for how much he will be missed. Please share your favorite memories about him on this site, and what made him special and unforgettable, so we all can someday heal.

Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Services – West Seattle

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

8 Replies to "Remembering Jacob Warbis, 1981-2020"

  • CM May 14, 2020 (9:50 am)

    This a really beautifully written remembrance. Sounds like he was a person that any of us would have been lucky to have known.  My sincere condolences to his family and friends. 

  • lox May 14, 2020 (11:01 am)

    This breaks my heart. He sounds like a wonderful person. May his family and friends find serenity. 

  • ms May 14, 2020 (1:19 pm)

    Sounds like heaven got a new wonderful member, So sorry for your loss

  • Rara May 14, 2020 (3:38 pm)

    Oh my freind Nicole, I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart hurts for you. Much love from the Smiths. 

  • Rick May 15, 2020 (10:31 am)

    “Only the good die young”

  • Patricia Rockholtz Hopkins May 17, 2020 (8:32 am)

    Although I never knew him or ever even met him as I’m from South Carolina, but it sounds as though he was a very loving and caring gentle soul. Definitely a person that were Blessed to have had him in their lives…Sending my condolences and Prayers to his family and friends for your tragic loss as I can tell you have lost such a wonderful person!!! May God Bless You All!!! 🙏

  • Patty May 17, 2020 (8:51 am)

    I did not know Jacob, he sounds like a wonderful person that I would have liked to have known.  It breaks my heart for his family and friends to have lost such a special soul.  He obviously cared very deeply for others  We need more people like that in this world.  My condolences go out to his family and friends.  May his soul rest in in heaven.  God Bless you all!

  • Amber Williams May 23, 2020 (10:45 pm)

    I’m sorry Jake. We’ll all miss you. You were amazing. Such a great smile. Gone too soon. 

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