Jacob Adam Butze

Jacob Adam Ben Butze, 20, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of his family and countless friends. Born in Shaker Heights, Ohio, Jacob attended Shaker schools through Eighth grade and was a proud graduate of St. Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio. He attended Miami University of Ohio where he studied finance at the Farmer School of Business.  Jacob was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in April of his freshman year of college and spent the next 21 months in a valiant fight with cancer.

Jacob’s compassion for others was unmeasured. He deeply loved his family and friends and was dedicated to serving the community. During his time at St. Edward, he was honored for being a loyal friend and mentor, receiving the Edsman, Bob Whidden and Most Valuable Freshman Awards. He participated in a mission trip to Haiti.  After his diagnosis, Jacob focused on supporting cancer survivors and raising awareness. Jacob was a true mensch.  He loved the traditions of his Jewish faith and was a beloved member of Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple.

Jacob excelled at school and as an athlete.  He was an honor student and member of the National Honor Society. He continued to excel academically in college, making the Dean’s List even while undergoing chemotherapy. He played hockey and ran varsity indoor and outdoor track, and cross country, serving as captain his senior year.

Jacob lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed travel and cherished his trip to Paris shortly before becoming ill. He loved hiking and running outdoors.  Jacob loved music and played multiple instruments. He can be seen in many home videos playing his guitar and singing.  He was a member of Delta Chi and Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity, where he was named 2020 Brother of the Year at its National Meeting and served as Director of Alumni Relations.

He is survived by his parents Brandt and Naomi Butze and his sister Ana Butze of Shaker Heights, Ohio; grandparents, Louis and Linda Frank of Sarasota, Florida, Susan Klein of West Palm Beach, Florida, Joyce Butze of Shaker Heights, Ohio, and Kenneth Butze Sr. of Rocky River, Ohio; aunts and uncles, Justice Rebecca Frank Dallet (Brad) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Hallie Butze Stewart (James) of Shaker Heights, Ohio, Kenneth Butze Jr. (Tracy) of Shaker Heights, Ohio, Kelly Kelly of Brookpark, Ohio, Aaron Frank of Ashville, North Carolina, cousins Arthur Ott (Jay Gribble), Abby, Ellie and Rachel Dallet, Taylor, Schuyler and Kendall Butze, Allison, Molly, and Mac Stewart, Erin and Kyle Kelly.

A private family memorial service will be held on December 30, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. and will be streamed at https://www.fairmounttemple.org/worship/live-stream, In the Mandel Sanctuary , followed by burial at Lake View Cemetery.

The family wishes to express their gratitude and appreciation for the staff of the Taussig Cancer Center of the Cleveland Clinic for the care given to Jacob over the past two years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and to St. Edward Scholarship Fund at 13500 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio 44107.  In Jacob’s honor please consider donating blood and joining the bone marrow registry through Be the Match.