Jacob Alan "Jake" Thomas-Simmons

Jacob Alan Thomas-Simmons, “Jake”, was born in Norman, Oklahoma on January 14, 2000 to Robert Simmons, Jr. and Melissa Thomas. He passed at the age of 18 on September 8, 2018.

Jake was a fun-loving kid who had the brightest smile; he never had to be told twice to smile for a picture. It was clear from an early age that Jake had a kind heart and a willingness to go out of his way for others. He always had an ease for talking to people, young or old, and was always the first one to offer to help in any situation.

Jake was a natural born athlete and the competitiveness in him ran deep. He played numerous sports throughout his life including baseball, basketball, track, and most importantly to him, football. His love for football eventually led him to a starting position on the Norman North High School Timberwolves football team, where he racked up numerous accolades and two state title runs. His athleticism and contributions to his team’s success got the attention of Southwestern Oklahoma State University, who offered him a scholarship to play football in college. He gladly accepted.

Jake’s favorite pastime was by far fishing. He enjoyed fishing anywhere and everywhere he could. From horseback riding to swimming, he loved being outside. Other pastimes he enjoyed were spending time with his friends, his girlfriend Malorie, and, of course, his siblings. He was also quite the jokester.

Jake absolutely loved to eat! You always knew when it was about to go down with some delicious food because he would do his signature shoulder shimmy before he began. He also had a natural gift with kids. Jake was a go-to babysitter for several families in Norman; his style of babysitting was rowdy and fun, but very responsible.

Jake’s family always teased him about being a bull in a china shop because he grew into a 6’3” tall young man with a playful side that was very cringeworthy when he would begin tossing around his cousins and wrestling with his siblings.

Jake made an impression on so many lives in his short time on earth. He never met a stranger, and everyone seems to have a Jake story. His kind heart and Christian spirit were an example for us all. He was, of course, the strongest, the fastest, the best looking, and the favorite!

Jake loved his family and loved the Lord. His family is heartbroken over his departure from his earthly body, but takes solace that he has gotten his angel wings and will forever be a guardian angel looking out for his siblings and cousins.

Jake was well loved by all who met him, and he leaves behind a multitude of family and friends, including: mother Melissa Thomas; father Robert “Bobby” Simmons, Jr.; brother Tyson Thomas-Simmons; sisters Bella Thomas-Simmons and Madison Simmons; grandparents Christine and David Hillshafer, Craig Thomas, and Robert Simmons; aunts Christle Burris and husband Jimmy, Rebekah Collins and husband Steve, Brenda Griffith and husband Thomas, and Audrey Smith and husband Tom; girlfriend Malorie Dorney; dog Lola; and a host of cousins, extended family, and friends. He was preceded in death by grandmother Mendell Simmons.

An open visitation will be held from 3:00-6:00 pm on Thursday, September 13th at Fellowship Church in Norman (formerly Journey Church, 3801 Journey Parkway). Jake’s family will be present to receive friends from 6:00-8:00 pm that evening. A celebration of Jake’s life will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, September 14th at Fellowship Church, with burial following at IOOF Cemetery.

Messages left on Jake's Tribute Wall be included in a memory book for his family.