SSgt. Jacob Bradley Rich

SSgt Jacob Bradley Rich, age 28, passed away on May 07, 2015 at his home, in New Braunfels, TX. He was born on October 1, 1986 in Abilene, TX to Mitchell Rich and Julie Luxton (Sherrod). He was a devoted father, husband and Marine. Loved and respected by many.

Jacob, known as Brad by his family and friends grew up in Marion, TX. He graduated from Marion High School in 2005. He was known for his kind and competitive nature in the sports of Football, Cross Country and Track and Field.

After high school he joined the United States Marine Corp in 2005. He served in "Operation Enduring Freedom" in Afghanistan. He was the recipient of the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, War on Terrorism Medal, In Service of Peace and Freedom Medal, Naval and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. His first duty station was spent in Japan for 4 years where he met his wife Yoko. His next assignment took them to San Diego, CA. During this time he made multiple deployments to Afghanistan, Korea, Philippines, WTI in Yuma AZ, Mojave Viper training in Twenty-Nine Palms all as part of his USMC career. In 2012, he was diagnosed with cancer in his spine. In 2013, it metastasized into his brain. In 2014, he decided to return to his home state of Texas assigned to the Wounded Warrior Battalion East to continue his fight against cancer. In 2015, he went through experimental trials to combat this deadly disease only to lose the battle. He remained on active duty, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant in 2014 with the United States Marine Corps.

Brad married Yoko in 2007 in McQueeney, TX. They have been happily married for 8 years. Brad was a member of multiple wounded warrior/USMC programs. Prior to his diagnosis of brain cancer he enjoyed hunting, hiking, biking, running and long boarding. After the diagnosis he became wheelchair restricted but, he did not let that stop him. Brad was active in hand bike marathons and wheelchair basketball. He participated in the Paralympics Games and The Invictus Games held in England, where he earned the silver in wheelchair rugby and wheelchair basketball.

Brad is survived by his spouse Yoko Rich of New Braunfels, TX; his daughters Hannah age 7, Kylie age 6 and son Austin age 4; (Parents) Mitchell & Yvette Rich of San Antonio TX, Julie and JA Luxton of Diana TX, (In-Laws) Toshiro & Mieko Sera of Japan, (Sisters) Crystal & brother in-law (Brian) Soefje of Marion TX, Breanna Herrera of San Antonio, TX, (Brothers) Joshua Rich of Houston TX, Garret & (sister in-law) Caroline Rutledge of Austin TX; (Brother In-law) Takuya & Yasuhito Sera of Japan; (Nieces) Danika and Zoe; (Nephews) Caleb, Kevin and Blake, Katsuhiro, Taiki, Kodai, Yudai, Masahiro;( Grandparents) Billy & Betty Rich, (Aunts) Donna Taylor & Margaret Rich; (Uncles) Don Rich & Shawn Taylor;(Cousins) Colby, Chase, Brae & Landon Taylor; Holly, Chris & Marcus Rich.

A memorial service will be held at Tree of Life Church, 5513 Interstate 35 Frontage Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78132 at 10 am, May 15, 2015. A visitation will be held at Zoeller Funeral Home 615 Landa Street, New Braunfels TX from 3 pm – 9 pm May 13th. Burial will follow.