Obituary of Jake Ingham

Jake Ingham, 17, of Chapel Hill, NC, passed away at his home on Sunday, February 17, 2019.  He was diagnosed with a brain tumor in June 2002 and battled it valiantly for almost 17 years. 

Jake never met a stranger and spread an incredible amount of joy and love in a tragically short life.  He was widely known as "Jake the Jokeman" and loved any opportunity to play games, tell jokes, or sing songs.  Jake was a senior at East Chapel Hill High School and dreamed of one day becoming a "clown chef"  in a restaurant of his own, which would fulfill his two passions of food and making people smile. 

He was always upbeat and optimistic, despite his many challenges, and consistently wished others an "extremely, absolutely fabulous day".  Regardless of how he was feeling, he was deeply concerned about, and empathetic for, those around him.  His joyous spirit will leave a legacy of happiness that will last well beyond his years.

Jake is survived by his parents, Andy Ingham, of Chapel Hill, and Rachel Anne Ingham of Chapel Hill; brother, Ben Ingham of Chapel Hill; sister, Hannah Ingham of Chapel Hill; maternal grandfather, Patrick Scognamiglio; paternal grandparents, William and Linda Ingham; Uncles, Jim Scognamiglio, and his wife, Carol, of Scotia, NY, David Scognamiglio, and his wife, Stacey, of Las Vegas, NV; Patrick Scognamiglio, and his wife, Allison, of E. Norwich, NY; Aunts, Jennifer Scognamiglio, and her husband, Chris DiStefano, of E. Norwich, NY; Lisa Caulk, and her husband, Bernard, of New Castle, DE; and his cousins, Joe, Meg, Kiera, Tyler, Carly, Lila, and Ivan.

Jake was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Nancy Scognamiglio, and his cousin, Emma.

The family will have a private Mass of Christian Burial at St. Thomas More Catholic Church.  A Celebration of Life for Jake will be announced as soon as a date and place are decided.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials in Jake’s name to Angels Among Us, (Team TumorNators), 710 W. Main Street, Suite 200, Durham, NC 27701.https://secure3.convio.net/dccc/site/TR?team_id=24078&fr_id=1503&pg=team; or to KidsPath-Hospice of Alamance & Caswell, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215, www.hospiceac.org.

The Ingham family is under the care of Walker’s Funeral Home of Chapel Hill. Please express your online condolences by using the tab below.