Jacob William Preston

Jacob William Preston

July 27, 2006 – August 3, 2025

Jacob William Preston, 19, of Salado, TX, passed away Sunday, August 3rd, 2025. Jacob - known to many people as JP - was born July 27th, 2006 in Temple, TX to David and Jodee Preston. A beloved son, brother, and friend. Jacob brought joy, laughter, and love to everyone around him.

Jacob graduated from Salado High School in May and was looking forward to starting his next step at Texas State University where he would follow in his mom and sisters footsteps of being a Bobcat. According to Reese, he was looking forward to being on his own, joining a fraternity, and proving everyone wrong especially his mom because she didn't think he remembered how to study.

It is really hard to find the right words to describe Jacob. He lit up every room with his infectious smile, beautiful blue eyes, sharp wit and effortless humor. But Jacob also had a serious side - he listened when you didn’t think he was and paid attention to all of the details. He was head strong, he was stubborn, he was very boujee...loved his lululemon and all the fancy things. He was daring- always ready to jump in and have a good time. Jacob was full of charm and wit - so much wit. He was tough but tender. Passionate about things he loved. He loved our God and loved saying his prayers at night.

Most people don’t know he had a talented art side to him. When he was younger he always wanted to sign up for art camp. Where he was usually the only boy- maybe that was his way of being able to flirt with all the girls. While at Salado High School- his activities included football, basketball and baseball. But baseball was his passion which started at the young age of 4. He built some amazing friendships around that diamond.

Friendship- probably one of the top two things he did best. Jacob loved his friends hard. Whether he was driving around with them going to get Whataburger or talking to them through the Xbox. He was loyal, never wanting to let anyone down. He had their back. People keep asking “What were his hobbies” and my only answer is - his friends.

The thing that Jacob did best by far was family. He had prayed over the people that left before us every night. He loved to push buttons and get mad at us when we were trying to guide him- but deep down he was listening and soaking it all in. He loved us even when we didn’t realize it. He loved his sister Reese more than she will ever know, and he made sure to tell her that every now and then. He looked up to her and wanted to follow in her footsteps. Mom and Dad- Oh how Jacob was not excited to take on his dads genes of gray hair. He told everyone he was just going to dye it. Even though he didn't want the gray hair he wanted to be just like his dad in so many ways. He wanted to be the perfect man just like him. They arm wrestled and squeezed hands all the time and Jacob always had the confidence that he was going to beat him one day. And his mom he cared for so, so deeply. They had so many inside jokes especially when it came to making fun of dad. They gave each other a look every time he was crunching on his food too hard. He gave mom a run for her money 24/7 but he knew she was always going to be his biggest supporter and be there for him whenever he might have needed it. Jacob’s mom and dad loved him so deeply and they are nothing other than proud of the man he had become.

Jacob planned to major in business and return to Salado after graduating to take over the family business at Ace Pest and Lawn Control. He told his mom “Why wouldn’t I want to come back here- this is a great place to live and raise a family”. He knew exactly how to make our hearts full exactly when we needed it. He loved us. He loved this town. He loved God. And he was so much greater than life.

Jacob is preceded in death by his great grandparents, Toby and Blanche Preston of Salado, TX; Paul and Dorothy Wilson of Grandview, TX; and great uncles Ronnie Preston and Jeff Black both of Salado, TX. He is survived by his parents David and Jodee Preston; sister Reese Preston and future brother-in-law Tyler Jarolik; sister Lauren Preston; brother Jonathan Preston and wife Nicole; nieces and nephews: Brayden Preston, Blakely Doskocil, Karsyn Duren, and Kace Preston; cousins: Toby Bland, Dylan Wilson and Emily Funchess; Grandparents Joe and Jaynee Wilson and Grandma Linda Preston; Uncle Josh Wilson and wife Summer; Aunt Tristen Bland and husband Jace; Great Uncle Ricky Preston and wife Juana Kay; cousin Amber Dankert and husband Session and family.

Jacob’s life, though far too short, was full of love, laughter, and meaning. He will be remembered always for his big heart, bold spirit, and unforgettable presence.

The family asks to make donations in lieu of flowers.