Originally Posted on June 14, 2016

Visitation Thursday, June 16, 2016, 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Blake-Lamb Funeral Home, 4727 W. 103rd Street, Oak Lawn, IL 60453.

Mass of Christian Burial, Friday, June 17, 2016, 10:00 am, St. Christina Church, 111th Street & Christiana Avenue, Chicago, IL 60655.

Jacob Manning Schmitz, 17 years old. Amazing beloved son of Leo (Director ISP, ret. CPD) and Ellyn, nee Weiss (ret. CPD), best friend and grandson of Leo "Gerard" Schmitz (the late Patricia); cherished grandson of Ben (Maureen) Weiss and Suzanne (Dr. John) Weiss; adored nephew and cousin of many.

On 13 June 16, our brilliant, brave, boy lost his battle with leukemia. Jake was the light of his parents' lives, and will be missed more than words can express. After graduating as valedictorian of St. Christina (class of 2013) Jake began his high school career at Brother Rice High School. A proud Edmund Rice Scholar, he earned superior honors with a GPA of over 4.7 and an ACT score of 32 on his first attempt and hoped to study engineering and medicine at a top University upon graduation.

Jake served as student council secretary for the 2015/16 school year and was the only junior elected to the executive board. In April of 2016, he was proud to be elected student council president for 2016/17. He was a member of the National Honor Society and volunteered as a counselor at Blessed Edmund Rice Camp. He was selected for, and attended, several leadership conferences throughout the United States.

Jake loved snow skiing, jet-skiing, watersports and the beach in Michigan. He earned his boating license at age 12. He loved to travel, and attended Greenwoods Camp in Michigan each summer. He touched many lives with his kindness and humor. The incredible bravery and dignity Jake showed facing incredible odds was and remains an inspiration to us all. He will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Brother Rice High School for the Jacob Schmitz Memorial Scholarship appreciated. Info. 708-636-1193 or www.blakelamboaklawn.com.