Jake Thompson.

Our best attempt to capture Jake’s journey–the many places he’s lived, adventures he’s had, and most importantly, people he’s met.

1990–

Brampton, ON

Born in Brampton, ON, Jake grew up in Orangeville with his parents, Greg and Lynda, and younger brothers, Zack and Riley. While not the biggest kid growing up (ok, without a doubt the shortest kid), Jake has always been a natural athlete and a cool big brother. His quick wit matches his easy-going attitude towards life.

Jake’s love for music and movies started early. Most memories of Jake in elementary school include him watching videos through long wavy hair that drooped over his eyes (like Slash from Guns ‘N’ Roses).

XXXX–2009

Orangeville, ON to Hudson, OH

Jake comes from a long line of lacrosse legends on his Dad’s side of the family. Following in their footsteps, Jake developed a love for lacrosse early on. He started playing for the Orangeville Northmen at age XX and has since played on a number of incredibly close and talented teams.

Jake’s desire to challenge himself, test his independence, and try something new led him to pursue playing lacrosse in the U.S. In 2006, Jake left home and started grade 10 at Western Reserve Academy, a boarding school in Hudson, OH. There, he continued to stand out on the field as part of a nationally ranked high school lacrosse program.

Of course, there was no shortage of shenanigans with teammates off the field. In stark contrast to the prep-school stereotypes, Jake proudly leaned into his blue-collar Canadian persona. He chose ‘fun and funny’ above all else, while still managing to excel in school–which must have really infuriated some faculty and classmates.*

The most valuable thing Jake took away from his years at WRA were the relationships he built with amazing people who continue to be some of his closest friends.

*This has been confirmed.

2009–2013

Ithaca, NY

After graduating from WRA, Jake received an athletic scholarship to play lacrosse at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. Again, Jake thrived–his adventurous personality and relentless sense of humor acted as a magnet to all who got to know him. Jake quickly surrounded himself with another group of buddies who provided a home away from home. And by that, we mean they were as relentless* as he was.

Jake played lacrosse at Cornell for all four years and ultimately graduated with a degree in Film Studies.

*The first response Jake got from a Cornell teammate after telling them about his ALS was “so is that why you could never get top-side on me in practice?”. Yes 6’2 brick wall, that’s why.

2013–XXXX

Alberta to Ontario

After college, Jake returned to Canada with big aspirations and a hurting bank account, so he headed out west to work on the oil rigs of Alberta for several months with a couple of buddies. For those that don’t know much about that line of work, it was a cushy job with easy hours and kind, forgiving foremen...Just kidding, it was Hell–but paid well!

After proving he was an Ivy grad who could tough it out with the roughnecks, Jake headed back to Ontario to pursue a great opportunity in film. There, he found yet another new home–this time in Peterborough, working on the hunting documentary television show, “Canada in the Rough”.

For five amazing years, Jake traveled across Canada, filming in its most beautiful (and remote) forests and mountains.

pic of beautiful and remote forests/mountains

XXXX–2019

Peterborough to Toronto

While in Peterborough, Jake met another amazing group of friends, not to mention the love of his life, Jackie.

Jake and Jackie lived just a block away from each other, but quickly realized that wasn’t close enough. Shortly after moving in together, their blossoming love was put to the ultimate test when Jake’s brother, Zack, unpacked his clothes in the front half of Jake and Jackie’s duplex (great story).

With the help of free concerts by the lake, jam sessions in the living room, parties in the backyard shed, and Forrest Gump, Jake and Jackie’s love for each other grew and the two became unstoppable.

Then, in 2019, Jackie landed her dream job with the MSLE LaunchPad charity program. The two decided to give city-life a chance and moved into a small apartment just outside of Toronto. Jackie thrived in her new role and Jake found work in the Toronto film industry when he could (like on set with “Top Chef Canada”...free knives, what a perk!).

2020

Mono, ON

Just as COVID-19 struck the world, Jake’s mom, Lynda, began struggling in her 5-year battle with cancer. Jake and Jackie moved back home to help Jake’s Dad and brothers care for Lynda during her final months. Together, they showered her with love and music just as she had been doing for all of them over the course of her beautiful life.

Shortly after Lynda passed, Jake channeled his energy and creativity into work, starting his own production company, “Bumpy Road Productions”. The name is a tribute to the mantra that Lynda used throughout her battle with breast cancer–it’s just a bump in the road. Jake has always had a knack for thoughtful gift giving, and starting a company in his Mom’s memory is no exception.

2020…still.

ALS diagnosis.

Today (2021)

Jake and Jackie now live with Jake’s Dad, Greg, and their golden-doodle, Lou, in Mono (Lou is short for Lieutenant Dan from Forrest Gump, of course).

With the degenerative nature of ALS, all physical actions will inevitably become less and less in Jake’s control. Despite this, Jake and Jackie are dedicated to maintaining an active lifestyle for as long as possible. Their eyes are currently set on completing the 900km Bruce Trail–which, fortunately, passes nearly right through Greg’s property.

Zack has now officially joined forces at Bumpy Road Productions and Riley….

Jake, Jackie, and their families are hopeful that they can make the most of their lives together by traveling the continent and reconnecting with all the amazing people that Jake has met and surrounded himself with over the years. There are tough days ahead, but those will be outnumbered by quality time spent with friends, family, and Lou while sitting around the fire playing music.