HOWELL – On Sunday, Jan. 21, the Howell community experienced a great loss with the passing of 7-year old Jake Honig. Diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of 2, Jake fought very hard over the past five years through his battle with cancer, earning the nickname “the Tank.” He brought much joy to those around him and will be greatly missed by family, friends, and the Howell community.
Over the past few years, Jake garnered support from friends and numerous members of the community, including the Howell Township Police Department throughout his five-year fight. The department was such a big supporter of Jake and his family that they even made him an honorary member of the department in 2017. In honor of Jake, the department’s Facebook page has been posting photos of Jake and his family in remembrance, and changed their profile photo to a picture of Jake.
The Howell community also came together on Jan. 7 to support Jake’s battle at the “Hoopin’ for Honig” basketball fundraiser put on by the Honig family and The Frances Foundation. Howell police were the champions of the basketball tournament and dedicated their trophy win to Jake, labeling him “a true champion” in a Facebook post.
“Jake made everyone who met him a better person, he was simply an awesome boy in every respect,” said Robert Heugle, president of The Frances Foundation. “As we brought smiles to Jake throughout his much too short life, Jake gave so much more back to us. His charm and boyish joy was infectious.
“Our loss is heaven’s gain. Angel Jake brings tons of happiness to heaven with him; and he will forever be a strong and positive inspiration to all of us.”
Heugle knows the Honig family very well. He and the foundation continuously worked to help the Honig’s through Jake’s battle in various ways.
“Jake was a fantastic big brother and his sister was with him every step of the way through his illness,” it stated in his obituary from Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home. “The beautiful memories sustain his family as they deal with his passing, and they feel so grateful and blessed to have had him.”
Jake’s favorite basketball team was the Golden State Warriors. Relatives and friends are encouraged to wear Golden State apparel or colors to the wake, held at Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home on Thursday, Jan. 25 and the funeral on Friday, Jan. 26.
Jake left a lasting impression on those who knew him. Those who wish to honor Jake can use the hashtag #belikejake to keep the memory of his good nature and famous “the Tank” strength alive.
