Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us, or we find it not."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Obituary
The world lost a bright and colorful light with the passing of Jacob Deme in Chicago, Illinois. He was kind, loving, open-minded, generous, and compassionate. He was unassuming and traveled the world, to over 120 countries, and made this Earth his home and all humans his siblings.
Born as the youngest child to the late D.J. Gnanakkan and Anammoney Thai and the youngest brother to Jeya Lamech (Lamech Samuel), Beulah Selvaraj (SPS Selvaraj), Sulochana Daniel (Chackravarthy Daniel), Rajan Dharmaseelan (Sumathi), Nalini Dhanakumai, Ravi Isaac (Evangeline), and Elizabeth Abel (Raj), Jacob was always free-spirited, sociable, trusting, and charming. Jacob loved his nephews and nieces and was always present in the lives of Vijay, Pearl, Raja, Beryl Jennifer, Gladys (Rajathi), Annette, Dev, Dion, Wycliffe, Adoni, David, Stanley, Dharshini, Ryan, Roshan, and Tanya.
Born in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Jacob attended Wesley College, Colombo. To continue his education in English as the medium of instruction, his parents sent him to Spicer Higher Secondary School and later to Pakistan Adventist Seminary and College, where he received his Bachelor of Ministry degree. His first job serving as the Chaplain at Lakeside Medical Center in Kandy, Sri Lanka, drew him to medicine. Jacob completed his medical degree in Spanish at Montemorelos University, Mexico. He also received both a Master’s and a Doctor of Medical Science from Nova Southeastern University, Miami, Florida.
Jacob’s career extended from the World Bank, Washington, Ryder Florida, Accenture, American Red Cross, Northeastern University , to the US Census Bureau. He was a regular tutor to students who prepared for medical exams. His pastimes were serving as an educator, massage therapist, nutritionist, YouTuber, and fashion model.
Jacob’s non-profit organization, Hunger Strike, Inc., promoted nutrition and healthy living and helped Tsunami victims of Sri Lanka. He held health camps in Pragasapuram, Madipakkam and Vadapalini in India. Many sought him for natural remedies and healing.
He was a poet, a pianist, and a soloist and authored many books. He loved the arts, languages, fine cuisine, and everything elegant and beautiful. He spoke eight languages, picked them with ease, and also knew koine Greek and Latin.
He effortlessly made friends worldwide during his travels. His sense of humor brought laughter, cheer, and connection with people.
Sadly, despite the best efforts of his cardiologist team at the Swedish Hospital, Chicago, and Jacob’s valiant fight, he was unable to recover from his heart condition. His sister, Elizabeth, and a friend were beside him when he breathed his last.
Jacob will be missed deeply by his family and friends who adored him. And, we are grateful for the joy and indelible memories Jacob Deme brought into our lives. We have the blessed Hope of seeing Jacob again.
Join us to remember and celebrate Jacob's life on Sunday, November 10, at 10:30 am EST, 9 PM IST at Sligo Church Atrium. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mercy Corps. https://www.mercycorps.org/ or
Doctors without Borders. https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/
Lotus Prins
Lotus Prins - Jacob Deme Films - https://www.youtube.com/@lotusprins
Gallery
Memory wall
His intelligence and diverse knowledge were remarkable, with his ability to speak eight languages fluently and his travels to over 120 countries. I will always admire his adventurous spirit and the joy he found in exploring the world. I'll never forget how he surprised us all by attending our engagement, a testament to his love for family and his thoughtful nature.
Chithappa's memory will live on through the valuable lessons he imparted and the joyful moments we shared. He was religious, kept the Sabbath, and always kept God first in his life. May his spirit find comfort and rest until the day of resurrection, when we shall all be reunited in Christ's glory, and may we all find comfort in knowing how much he meant to all of us.
Miss you, Chithappa...
He was a multi talented person who brought joy and sunshine in to the hearts and lives of all thoes whom he met. I will always cherish my memories of him.
Katherine Ananth
Over the last few years, he would often come to Srilanka and I would go over there to spend time with him. We were of great comfort to each other as we could confide in each other the things we could not with anyone else. We spent many wonderful hours reminiscing the past and making plans for the future.
To my dear brother Jacob:
you were my brother, my friend, and a piece of my heart. I don’t know how to say goodbye to you, and I don’t think I ever will.Thank you for blessing our lives, dear Jacob. You were a gift, and though you’re gone, your love and spirit will live on forever.
Lots of love and prayers
Beulah Selvaraj
May God comfort all his siblings and their families at this time of sorrow. We have the hope of seeing our loved ones in the resurrection when Jesus returns to takes us home with Him.
When I was in Spicer, one evening my sister and I were walking home after vespers, when a stranger approached us and snatched my torch. We screamed and caught the attention of Jacob Anna along with many others, going back to the boys hostel. They tried to find the person but they couldn’t and it was getting dark. Seeing that we were afraid, he reassured us and walked us back home to Sasda. I will never forget, the love and care that he showed us that evening. He certainly left a mark in our hearts.
May his soul rest in peace until the resurrection morning.
We've studied side by side both at Bethel Chapel and at Wesley College where Jacob's warmth and integrity shone through. Jacob was a remarkable friend and a cherished soul, and his kindness and warmth touched everyone who knew him.
Though we feel the loss deeply, we look forward to the soon return of Jesus, when our friendship with Jacob will be rekindled and remain for all of eternity. Thank you, Jacob, for a lifetime of friendship and the joy you've brought to our journey.
To all his siblings and extended family, may you find comfort in the love of family and friends, and in the assurance that we have in Christ that we will see Jacob again when Jesus returns. Our prayers and deepest sympathies are with you all.
God bless
BastiamPillai family
Sri Lanka
My prayers are with you and your family. God rest Jacob’s soul. I never had the opportunity to meet Jacob, but Elizabeth I’m glad I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with you. It seems you have similar qualities as Jacob. I pray he rest in peace and am sending my sincere condolences.
Best,
Lola
to Elizabeth and Family,
and all the Siblings and their Families , Relatives and friends, by the passing away of Jacob, His Love, kindness and
Smile will be remembered forever .
Still in disbelief, that he is not around. We have the Hope to see him again at
Jesus’ Second Coming, go to Heaven and Spend Eternity with Him . Rest in peace my dear brother and friend.🙏💕☮️😢💐
I am inspired by Elizabeth’s devotion to her dear brother!