Jack truly had the heart of a lion. We became acquainted in 6th grade, both independently went through our issues growing up, became good friends in wrestling in Jersey Village. He left for the Marines, and I the Navy. Jack got out before me and was readjusting with the help of his cousins, working at Verizon when I got back to Houston upon my exit from the Navy. At the time, I was beyond depressed, a friend from the Navy committed suicide just months prior, contributing to my separation. Jack was the only one who showed me a smiling friendship. He invited me over with his cousins for new years, where we played exploding kittens, and drank the night away. We were planning how to take over an apartment complex together, to make it veterans only, to help other veterans in need. The complexity of life got in the way, and I moved to Austin, and life split us up once again. I only heard of Jack's passing in late July 2023 when I was trying to reach out to him to invite him to my wedding, for August 2024. That wedding has now just passed, and the memories are settling, it was a blast, I wish Jack was able to attend in person and not only watch from afar, wherever his spirit lies in this universe, or the next. Jack, I had the perfect seat lined up for you, it would have been a celebration to remember. You had a seat reserved to be with Richard White, Andrew Vohl, and my old boss from the Navy. I think Aaron would've attended if you did. The night I found out about your passing last year,  I haven't cried that hard since. I miss you buddy, you were the best person of all of us, with the heart of a giant lion.

O was the little brother Stephen and I never asked for. But got anyways. Looking back and listening to everyone’s stories; it’s apparent he approached everything with undeniable passion and pride. Above all, he led with love. He did things his way. No matter how much shit we gave him. 

In June 2017, we took a weekend family trip to Concan, TX. He was in his element. Building camp fires. Enjoying the beautiful and peaceful views. In his army green skivvies, military boots, and a makeshift head wrap with his other army green shirt. That Saturday; we made our trip down to the Frio River. It was a gorgeous day for floating. All of our tubes were tied together with twine. As expected, Oneal passed out in his tube. Holding the group back. Amy, O, and Franco decided they wanted to break off on their own. O springs into action. He grabs a knife out of his boot. Instead of cutting the twine. He cuts through and deflates my tube. I panic and yell, “I can’t swim”! Franco tries to grab for me. Then precedes to fall in himself. Franco grabs onto Emma’s tube to keep afloat. All the while she was crying scared for me. O jumped into action again. And pulled me up above water. Without question, he gave me his float to use. O grabs onto the back of the group, aka Oneal’s tube. Helping to push us along. Focused. Quiet. Content. You just had to be there.

How unfortunate it is to think of everyone in this world that didn’t get to make memories with O. We are the lucky ones that got to be a part of his journey. Thank you O. For letting Stephen and I be a page in your book. 

Forever your Masta Chann and Mister Director. I promise to find Victor for you. Rest easy. We love you. 

I met O through work, he was my supervisor. At first I thought he was quiet and awkward, which he is, but as I got to know him he was quite a character. Not only was he funny, sarcastic, cool, but he was also loving and caring. I’m glad I was able to meet such a loving person. We all miss him at work, it’s no fun without him being there. He would always help us even if he was busy, he would still take the time to help us. You really did have a heart of gold. Thank you O for all the memories you gave us, we miss your goofiness. We love you O. See you in paradise.

I was very fortunate to cross paths with Tanakit at the barracks in Quantico. He became a big part of my life in the military. I will never forget our many food adventures, Thursdays wing nights, eating Cheetos with chopsticks and dressing up for absolutely no reason. The biggest impact on me was the influence on Buddhism that change the course of how I live my life now, I have him to thank for that. Tanakit thought me so many things, made us all laugh a ton as we all share our dreams on those lonely nights in the barracks. A part of you will continue to live on through many of us Tanakit, fair winds and following seas brother.

Tanakit was a great person to work with and very  well liked by our team and the marines he was stationed with. He was a hard worker and a desire to learn.  This was a pic of our team at a team building event in March 2015 in Quantico.

OBITUARY

Jakkrit "O" Tanakit

September 21, 1993 – July 12, 2023

Calvary Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery

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