Jacob Wesley Sanchez

Jacob Wesley Sanchez, 28, of Peoria, IL, passed away on January 30, 2023, in Nashville, TN.  He was born October 11, 1994, in Carbondale, IL, to Rodrigo and Christy (Cockrum) Sanchez.   He graduated from Dunlap High School in 2013 and worked in IT at Genesco, Inc. in Nashville.

Jacob is survived by his girlfriend, Nikki Lepretre and their son, Jayce Hunter Sanchez, both of Metamora, IL; his parents, Rodrigo and Christy Sanchez of Peoria, IL; his sister Ashley, brother Tristen, and paternal grandmother DeEtta Sanchez.

He is survived by his aunts and uncles - Staci (Jim) Hood, Valier, IL; Wendy (John) Kirkpatrick, Madison, AL; Annette (Alexander) Loya, Cancun, Mexico; Rafael (Rocio) Sanchez, Mexico City, Mexico; as well as cousins, Derek and Courtney Hood, Kensi, Kade, and Kylie Kirkpatrick, Alejandra and Rodrigo Loya, DeEtta, Christian, and Andrea Sanchez, and Nichole and Ian Langevin.

Jacob was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Billy and Linda Cockrum, and his paternal grandfather, Rafael Sanchez.

Being loved by Jacob was an amazing gift. His infectious laugh, uncanny sense of humor, tender heart, and presence will be missed greatly by all who loved and knew him. He treasured the time spent with his two-year-old son. He referred to Jayce as, “the best thing he ever did,” and often bragged that his son was, “the epitome of perfection.”

Visitation will be held at Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, IL, on Saturday, February 11th from 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm, followed by a memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart of Illinois Down Syndrome Association (HOIDSA). Please designate in the notes section that your donation is “In Memory of Jacob Sanchez.”  HOIDSA Donation Link