Jakob Ian Hehir

Jakob Ian Hehir lost his battle to Fentanyl in the wee hours on May 1, 2023. Anyone who knew Jake knew his love for “his people,” his music, guitars, and drums. He was a self-taught musician, born with his daddy’s musical ambition from an early age. He was talented in such a way that making original music was just what he did. This takes boldness and intelligence, where most musicians fall into just always doing “covers” he was an original! He hopped on a skateboard when he was 4 and, through the years, could often be found boarding around town with friends or hanging out at the skate park. He had an infectious smile, endless energy, and the ability to maneuver through diverse life circumstances. This included graduating from McMinn County High School in 2018 while becoming a teenage father. Jake also had a mischievous side that often landed him battered, bleeding, bruised, and in trouble; he certainly lived a life without limits!

He was a tenacious fighter for his mental health in his short 22 years. Jake fought silent daily battles in his mind that no one knew about; BPD, Schizoaffective, severe depression, anxiety, and addiction, all invisible ailments that affected the distorted lens he viewed life through. Jakob was our special boy, our “firstborn” son, grandson, nephew, and brother. He is preceded in death by his Grandma Julie Ormanian, Great-Gram Glada, Great-Uncle John Porth, and Papaw Frank “Buddy” Harrison and will be dearly missed.

Jakob was born June 11, 2000, the eldest son and is survived by his father, Brandon Hehir (Ann) of Milton, FL, his mother, Brandy Nickert of Lewiston, MI, and stepmom, Shelly Hehir of Etowah, TN. In addition, he left behind his beautiful only daughter Dakota Hehir (5yrs) of Etowah, TN, his only sister Lillian Hehir (Chandler) of Englewood, TN, brothers Michael Muir and Kenny Muir of Ten Mile, TN, Grandpa Cas Ornanion of Etowah, TN, Grandma Denise & Grandpa Dan Roux of Lewiston, MI, Grandpa Woody (Jodi) Juzek of Owendale, MI, his aunts & uncles, Megan (Lee) Rossbach, Erin (Kristopher) Russell of Athens, TN, Uncle Michael (Mary) Nickert of Lewiston, MI. Jakob did not know a stranger and was a social guy who loved everyone. He cultivated his friendships and had several “ride-or-die” friends with whom he could often be found Josh Cook, Bailey Smith, Seth Scott, Travis Finney, Tim Dion, and his daughter’s mother, Sara Bates.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Comfort Inn meeting room, 2811 Decatur Pike, Athens, TN 37303, Saturday, May 6, 2023, @ 6 pm.