So we shall let the reader answer this question for himself: Who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived, or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed?Hunter S. ThompsonThis memorial website was created to remember our dearest
Jacob Daniel Kauffman who was born in
Louisville, KY on
January 20, 1975 and passed away on
March 12, 2009. Jacob will live forever in our memories and hearts.
Jacob's Obituary:
The Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowing region lost a dear friend, too soon, with the sudden passing of young winemaking talent, Jacob Kauffman, on Thursday, March 12, 2009. He was 34 years of age. Jacob is survived by his mother, Jan Kauffman of Atlanta, GA, his father, Dan Kauffman of Hayes, VA, his grandmother, Viola King of Hesston, KS, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins and his mother's cousin Clarence and wife Joyce Conrad, of San Mateo, CA, with whom Jacob was living at the time of his death.
For eight years, Jacob was the winemaker for Muccigrosso Vinyards, with whom he was partners with Michael and Lynne Muccigrosso. Under the Muccigrosso label, Jacob created consistently award-winning Pinot Noir, Zinfandel (LynZin) and a Zin-Syrah blend, called Table Two. The Muccigrossos considered him their third son. Jacob was also a consulting winemaker and got his start in the wine world at David Bruce Winery while in his senior year at UC Santa Cruz. Jacob worked as both Cellarmaster and Assistant Winemaker at David Bruce Winery and honed his palate with exposure to Old World wines as a Sommelier for Murphy's Restaurant in Atlanta, for whom he traveled to France on buying expeditions.
Born to Jan and Dan Kauffman on January 20, 1975 in Louisville, KY, Jacob spent his early years in Lansing, MI, then moved to Newport News, VA, where he graduated from Menchville High School. An avid surfer, he attended UC Santa Barbara from 1993 to 1995, completing his undergraduate studies at UC Santa Cruz in 1997.
A celebration of Jacob's life will be held on Sunday, March 22 from noon until 3:00 at Byington Vineyards and Winery at 21850 Bear Creek Road, Los Gatos. The family requests that local guests bring a dish to share. Parking is limited, so carpooling is encouraged. Donations in his name may be made to the Kuumbwa Jazz Society of Santa Cruz (kuumbwajazz.org); The Gail E. King Memorial Scholarship fund at Goshen College, Goshen, Indiana 46526, or to the National Democratic Party.
Jacob Kauffman Winemaker. The Santa Cruz Mountains are a long way from Virginia. Just goes to show that winemaking is about sensibility rather than birth. Hailing from Virginia, via Atlanta, Jake (aka "T2", but that's another story) has been in the "business" since the early nineties. After dabbling in importing, a gig as a sommelier and a stint in Chile where he surfed some swells in his spare time, Jake found his calling in enology. Jake cut his teeth across Bear Creek Road at the hallowed David Bruce Winery, where he rose in the ranks from Cellar Rat to Cellar Master. As an apprentice, he studied the art and mystery of Pinot Noir under the experts. While there is no substitute for experience, fine wine cannot be made without talent. Jake has both. Taste for yourself.
http://www.muccigrosso.com/wine.htm
If Tomorrow Starts Without Me
If tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see, if the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me, I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today, while thinking of the many things we didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me, as much as I love you, and each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too. But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand, that an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand.
And said my place was ready, in heaven far above, and that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love. But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye, for all my life, I'd always thought, I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for, so much left yet to do, it seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you. I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad. I thought of all that we had shared, and all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday, just even for a while, I'd say good-bye and kiss you and maybe see you smile. But then I fully realized that this could never be, for emptiness and memories would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things, I might miss come tomorrow, I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow. But when I walked through heaven's gates, I felt so much at home. When God looked down and smiled at me from His great golden throne.
He said, “This is eternity, and all I've promised you. Today your life on earth is past, but here life starts anew. I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last, and since each day is the same way, there's no longing for the past.
You have been so faithful, so trusting and so true, though there were times you did some things, you knew you shouldn't do. But you have been forgiven, and now at last you're free. So won't you come and take My hand, and share My life with Me?”
So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, for every time you think of me, I'm right here, in your heart.
| Anne Aja |
Soothing Comfort |
March 24, 2009 |
There are no words that can express my sadness for Dan and Jan in losing their only son. He was the light in their eyes. May they find comfort in the love and care of friends and family at this deeply sad time.
| Starr Belvin |
|
March 22, 2009 |
My thoughts and prayers are with you all today and in the days to come. I know the heavy burden you carry in your hearts now and I wish there was something more I could do to help abate the pain. Treasure the memories and the love that you shared with Jacob. With love, Starr
| Muccigrosso |
from the muccigroso website |
March 20, 2009 |
March 16, 2009
It is with great sadness that we report the death of our son, our brother, our great friend, our winemaking inspiration, Jacob Kauffman.
A tireless dreamer of enormous talent, Jake led us year after year to ever greater heights. This was no roller coaster ride, but a steady ascension, an elegant dance with the forces of nature, bureaucracy, industry and family. This learning process orchestrated by Jake was a study in consistency revered by all.
The wines were outstanding from the get-go, but paled in comparison to his loyalty, devotion, strength and sense of humor. We were blessed with his presence and honored to share his dream.
We will carry forward Jake's magic touch, tasting wine and life with his discretion while celebrating his frank and simple good-heartedness.
| Audra Aja |
Words Can Not Express |
March 20, 2009 |
Words can not express the deep sympathy I feel in my heart for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Audra
