In Loving Memory of Jacob Orion Kenney 

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Jacob Orion Kenney, who left this world far too soon at the age of 36 on June 21, 2025, in Arizona. Born on February 14, 1989, at Ft. Carson, Colorado, Jake spent his early years as part of a military family—living in Colorado, Arizona, Iowa (while his father was deployed to Korea), and Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, where he began school. The family later settled in Round Lake Beach, Illinois, while stationed at Ft. Sheridan. Jake attended Lake Villa Elementary Schools and Grant High School, proudly calling Illinois his home.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Northern Illinois University, graduating with honors after taking earlier coursework at the College of Lake County. In the fall of 2015, Jake moved to Arizona with his wife, Mercedes (Hay) Kenney, and although they later divorced, they remained close friends—bonded by shared memories and visits with their beloved dogs, Raven and Tucson.

Jacob excelled in his marketing career successfully building skills and experience culminating as a Senior Proposal Lead at Burgess & Niple civil engineering firm’s Scottsdale office.

Jacob brought warmth, love, and light into every life he touched. He was a vibrant soul with a deep love for family and friends, a contagious laugh, and an unshakable loyalty to those he cared about. His presence filled every room, and his heart knew no bounds.

He will be forever missed by his parents, Paul & Julie Kenney; sister Kaitlyn (Chad) Deal; soon-to-arrive niece, Baby Girl Deal (due mid-August); uncle and aunt Matt & Ann Benge; cousins Peyton (Justin) Scott and Camryn (Jeremy) McIntosh; maternal grandparents Phil (Phyllis) Benge and Vicki (Christy Shipley) Benge; cousin Samantha (Dan) Zieglowsky and their children; and many extended family members, close friends, and coworkers who held Jake close to their hearts.

Jake is preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Sherry Snyder; step-grandfather George Snyder; paternal great grandparents Paul & Doris Osborn; great-aunt Randi Smith; and maternal great grandparents Loran & Nellie Benge and Beverly & Leon Meleney.

To know Jacob was to experience his kindness, his humor, and his generous soul. His absence leaves a space that can never be filled, but we take comfort in the belief that he now rests with the Lord in heaven. Our world is forever changed by the gift of his life. We love you and miss you, Jake. A celebration of Jake’s life will be planned later this fall in Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jacob’s memory may be made to:

• Calvary Chapel of Lake Villa at cclv.org – Jake’s beloved home church, where he received Christ as his savior, and where the Kenney family has worshipped since 1996
• Wounded Warrior Project at supportwoundedwarriorproject.org – one of the veteran charities Jake passionately supported