James (Jake) Blaauboer, a sophomore student at the University of Notre Dame, passed away recently. The entire community is in mourning over his passing.
James (Jake) Blaauboer, a sophomore in the college of Arts and Letters, passed away on Friday, and the university learned of his loss early Saturday morning. The university communicated the news to both its students and its personnel. He had also served in the army of the United States.
Jake completed his high schooling at Shenendehowa and received his diploma. He had previously studied at Hudson Valley Community College, and at the time of his passing, he was enrolled in classes at the University of Notre Dame. He served his country in the United States Army and afterwards found work in the welding industry.
Jake was a dedicated athlete who participated on the school’s Track and Cross Country teams on a regular basis while he was a student. He put himself to the test by ascending a number of the high peaks in the Adirondacks, as well as Mount Washington and Pikes Peak in the state of New Hampshire and Colorado, respectively. He was a profound thinker who relished a robust discussion on any topic, but especially on matters pertaining to politics and philosophy. He enjoyed reading, and he was open to listening to music of many kinds. Jake was a wonderful old soul, and his memory will always be cherished by all who knew him.
Jake is survived by his parents Jim and Mary Blaauboer and his loving sister Molly, all of Clifton Park. Also surviving is his extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Richard and Joan Clemens and paternal grandparents Henry and Vinci Blaauboer.
The university is providing the family of Jake with pastoral assistance and is working on developing opportunities for the university community to memorialize Jake. The details of those incidents have not yet been figured out.
It has not been determined what caused the death.
Join the University of Notre Dame community this Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 5:15 p.m. in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart to celebrate Mass in memory of sophomore student James (Jake) Blaauboer.
University President, Fr. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., will preside, and Assistant Vice President for Campus Ministry, Fr. Pete McCormick, C.S.C., will preach. All are welcome to attend. For those who wish to attend virtually, the Mass will be live-streamed and can be viewed here: https://basilica.nd.edu/prayer-and-worship/watch-mass/.
Campus Ministry (574-631-7800) and the University Counseling Center (574-631-7336) continue to be available to offer support to members of the campus community.
