Honoring Jacorey: A Life of Joy, Strength, and Love

I am sharing the story of my son, Jacorey, whose life was filled with love, laughter, and resilience. Though his journey was not without challenges, he lived each day with purpose and joy. His sudden passing due to Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) left an unimaginable void in our lives, but his legacy continues to inspire.

Jacorey was a beloved son, a caring brother, and a loyal friend. He dedicated his life to Christ at a young age and was active in youth and young adult ministries. From childhood, he had a kind and gentle spirit, always bringing light into the lives of those around him.

At six years old, Jacorey was diagnosed with autism, and at 14, he was officially diagnosed with epilepsy. Looking back, we now believe his seizures may have started earlier, as they only occurred at night while he slept. Since he had his own room, we missed many signs. We hoped the seizures would fade with time, but instead, they worsened into adulthood.

Despite his struggles, Jacorey was determined to live life to the fullest. He excelled in school, attending Angleton ISD, where he was a dedicated member of the marching band and football team. His passion for learning led him to earn a welding certification before graduating high school. He was intelligent, hardworking, and always striving for excellence.

After graduation, Jacorey began working at Buc-ee’s before following in my footsteps and joining the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier. He loved his job, the people on his routes, and the sense of independence it gave him. He took his responsibilities seriously, never missing a day of work, even when his nights were difficult. He prioritized his health, ensuring he got enough rest to help keep his seizures at bay.

On May 9, Jacorey went to bed like any other night, prepared for the next day with his clothes laid out and his phone charging. But that morning, he didn’t wake up. SUDEP had taken him from us unexpectedly, leaving our family heartbroken. He was only 27 years old, full of life and dreams.

Jacorey was known as “Coco Brother” to his family and friends, a nickname that reflected his warm and playful spirit. He had a deep love for photography, launching his business, CocoVisuals, in 2021, specializing in car photography. His passion for cars was unmatched, and his unique perspective behind the lens allowed him to capture beauty in unexpected ways. His work, like his spirit, was unforgettable.

Beyond his talents, Jacorey had an incredible sense of humor. He had a gift for making people laugh through funny memes he shared online or his quick wit in conversations. He brought joy wherever he went, and his laughter was infectious.

The night after Jacorey passed, the Aurora Borealis lit up the sky in places it had never been seen before. It felt like a divine welcome, a sign that heaven had gained a radiant soul. Jacorey’s life, though cut short, was meaningful and full of love.

By sharing his story, we hope to raise awareness about epilepsy and SUDEP, encouraging other families to be informed and vigilant. To the moms of children with epilepsy, keep going, keep advocating for your child. Do your research, ask questions, and most importantly, keep loving and caring for your child no matter the challenges. Jacorey’s resilience, kindness, and unwavering spirit continue to inspire us. His memory lives on in the hearts of those he touched.