Jacob Michael Highlund

Jacob Michael Highlund, age 23 of Eastpointe, died Monday, November 18, 2019 at Ascension St. John Hospital & Medical Center in Detroit. He was born August 10, 1996 in Detroit, son of Paul John and Lisa Ann (nee: Ledbetter) Highlund.

A landscaper by day,...by night, and pretty much all the times in between, Jacob immersed himself in his true career passion as a rap artist,…known more popularly to his fans as “Lil Seal.” Jacob loved music and spent his growing years, to date, filling his soul with many of his favorite artists. But then the day came when Jacob felt there was something deep inside himself that was yearning to be released,…and that was the birth of his own musical expressions. Infused with his unique insights and messages, Lil Seal set out to share them with the world, and a hungry audience. Equipped with natural talents and a vision to be star, that star began rising quickly and Lil Seal’s impact on the world of rap music was truly turning heads and making a name for himself.

When Jacob was not at work or involved in his music, another of his passions was his immense love of food. Whether he was cooking and preparing it or simply devouring it, food reigned supreme in Jacob’s life. When it called for something fast, it usually entailed making a “run for the border” and ordering from one of his most desired menus at Taco Bell. But Jacob was also imbued with a measure of class and good taste in food whose hunger enjoyed being satisfied at the more expensive restaurants as well. Now, a rising star with rising dough, enjoying a nosh at one of the finer establishments was well within his means,…so Jacob truly enjoyed eating like a king. When it came to his taste in the “sweet treats” of life, Jacob’s first choice would often be the ever-popular, Sour Patch candies. A little sweet, a little tart,…but always enjoyable when his sweet tooth took over. Many will also remember what a huge heart Jacob possessed for our four-legged friends. An immense lover of animals, there was a soft spot in Jacob that was warmed each time he found himself in the company of a furry friend.

As an early twenty-something, both Jacob & Lil Seal had their own style, monikers that defined both the young man and the artist. Together they combined to touch a lot of hearts and influence the messages that molded his music. Sometimes heartfelt, other times raw, but always honest and impactful at its core. Yet Jacob didn’t leave just words and music to tell his story. Whether in his videos, on social media or in person, it was obvious that he loved tattoos as his body was laden with the artistic form of expression. Simply another way for Jacob to tell his story, his body art served to paint a picture of what lie within,…a young man with deep feelings and a desire to share it through ink.

An appreciator of the “good things in life,”…in his own way, Jacob was forever in search of that brass ring and the ability to enjoy all the best of what life had to offer. Where many seek to achieve this through a lottery ticket, Lil Seal was at the forefront of punching his own ticket through the realm of music,…and was well underway. Perhaps that is why this makes his absence so much more difficult,…knowing that he had caught a glimpse of the future, and it was truly within his grasp. But though he parts this earthly coil much too soon, it is certainly not without leaving behind that beautiful smile,…his own, unique loving influence,…and a host of wonderful memories, all of which will be warmly embraced with each reflection shared by those in whom he loved and adored. He will be missed immensely and loved eternally.      

Beloved son of Paul & Lisa Highlund, and loving brother of Paul Jr. and Matthew Highlund. Dearest grandson of Michael & Char Ledbetter, Patsy Ledbetter, and Jim (the late Sharon) Highlund.

Jacob's Visitation will be held Wednesday 3-9pm with a Funeral Service at 7pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren. 

Please share memories of Jacob at his guest book below.