Jacob Lawrence Flagg

Jacob Lawrence Flagg, age 46, of Overland Park, KS went to be with the Lord on June 25, 2024 at his home, surrounded by his family, after a courageous 10-month cancer battle.

He was born on September 19, 1977 to Kenneth Flagg and Debra (Olson) Rivas in Milwaukee, WI. After his mother passed away, he moved to the Kansas City area and always considered this to be his home. Jake graduated from Olathe North High School, went on to play football at Truman State University, and later, attended Park University.

Jacob was employed at Sherwin Williams in many roles over the last 24 years. Most recently, he worked as an outside Sales Representative until the time of his illness. He always told people he sold paint – but he did so much more than that. Jake took great pride in his relationships with customers and mentoring fellow co-workers. During his tenure, he earned President’s Club and Leader’s Club recognitions.

In late 2010, he met his “match,” and on May 25, 2013, he married Heather Anne (Gerstner). They made their home in San Antonio, TX and relocated back to the Kansas City area in 2020. Jake always encouraged Heather to live life to the fullest – and enjoy the moment at hand.

Jake was a lifelong learner and enjoyed researching whatever subject people were currently discussing. He enjoyed reading the classics and learning new languages. His favorite pastime was traveling with his family. The waves of the ocean and peace of the mountain scenery were his favorite places. He loved baseball and would spend hours reviewing statistics and watching games. Always a Kansas City fan – he loved watching the Royals and the Chiefs. He loved to golf but never got the time to perfect his game. He was an avid chef – and was always making new recipes for the family to enjoy while he enjoyed a glass of scotch and listened to Mambo-Italiano.

Jacob was an active member of Church of the Resurrection and enjoyed giving back to his community. He had a special affinity for helping others and always aspired to give more of his time and resources. Jake loved spending time with his friends who became his family. His dry sense of humor and quick wit will be greatly missed.

The greatest joy of Jake’s life was becoming a father. He loved his children deeply and was a devoted daddy. He was a child at heart and loved telling them make-believe stories about Knights RyJo and NoLa and Princess Caroline, drawing detailed and creative pictures, and encouraging their imaginations. He loved attending their school and sporting events.

Jacob is survived by his loving wife, Heather, their children Ryan, Noah, and Caroline, all of the home; his stepmother, Nancy Flagg (Milwaukee, WI); one brother, Peter (Leah) Rivas (Mukwonago, WI); one sister, Jessica Flagg (Milwaukee, WI); and numerous extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and nephew Thomas.

Visitation will be Sunday, June 30, 2024 from 4:00-6:00PM at Penwell-Gabel – Olathe Chapel, located at 14275 South Black Bob Road in Olathe, KS. Funeral service will be held on Monday, July 1, 2024 at 10:00AM at Church of the Resurrection, Wesley Chapel located at 13720 Roe Avenue, Leawood, KS. Interment will be at Pleasant Valley Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to an educational fund established for Jacob and Heather's children. Checks can be made out to American Funds.

Jake will be greatly missed but we are thankful his legacy will live on through his children and that we have eternity in heaven to look forward to.

To view a livestream of the service, visit www.cor.org/memorialsonline


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