Jacob Michael Franklin, age 27, of Grass Lake, MI, ended his own life at a park near his home where he loved to hike on Monday, June 5, 2023 after a nearly ten-year battle with mental illness.

Jacob was born on January 31, 1996 in Ypsilanti, MI to Joseph and Catherine Franklin. In his true nature, Jacob enjoyed being outdoors hiking with his dogs, kayaking, fishing and boating. He was inventive, creative and liked to make things from an early age. Jacob had a wonderful sense of both curiosity and humor. He worked in the building trades with his father and uncles, could create or repair anything with resourcefulness, and was profoundly resilient, as witnessed only by those closest to him. Jacob’s illness made it difficult to maintain his friendships, and he had a lot of sadness around the loss of these relationships. He loved his family and friends beyond his ability to express. In addition to his parents and grandparents, he was closely held and supported by his aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Jacob is survived by his parents, Joseph Franklin of Grass Lake, MI and Catherine (Tidwell) Franklin of Ann Arbor, MI; grandparents, Thomas and Joy (Tomseth) Franklin of Chelsea, MI, and Toby and Barbara (Somers) Tidwell of Beverly Hills, FL; maternal great-grandparents, B. Maxine (Walker) Graham of Beverly Hills, FL, Betty (Hall) Ostin of Farmington, MI, and Harold Somers of Singer Island, FL; aunts and uncles, Peter Franklin of Jackson, MI, John Franklin of Chelsea, MI,  Amy (Michael) Franklin-Landando of Park Falls, WI, Sarah (Douglas) Poley of Grass Lake, MI, Patrick Franklin of Grand Rapids, MI, and Laura Tidwell of Ann Arbor, MI; cousins, Jaclynn Franklin, Jenelle Franklin, Paygh Franklin, Molly Franklin, Austin Poley, and Logann Poley. Jacob is also survived by a large extended family who loved him dearly.

Jacob was predeceased by his cousin, Jared Lee Franklin; uncle, Anthony Jerod (AJ) Franklin; aunts, Mary Rebecca Franklin, Ashley Franklin, and Jennifer Lynn Tidwell.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 12, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea. The family will receive friends at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jacob’s name to NAMI or the Jackson County Animal Shelter.

 Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.