Jacek K. Janik

Jacek "Jake" Kazimierz Janik, beloved husband, father, son, and brother, passed away on May 13, 2023, leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of love. He was a man of courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication to his family. Jake was born on March 4, 1963, to parents, Eugenia and Edmund Janik, in Poland.

As a young man, Jake displayed remarkable bravery and passion as an activist involved with the Solidarity movement in Poland. His commitment to fighting for justice and freedom inspired those around him. In 1990, Jake emigrated to the United States with his family, seeking new opportunities and a better life.

Jake had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a deep passion for history, politics, and other cultures. Jake's love for culture and diversity was fostered during his time in India as a boy. This formative experience ignited a lifelong curiosity about different traditions, languages, and customs. He immersed himself in books, always eager to learn and broaden his understanding of the world. His intellectual curiosity endeared him to others.

Among Jake's many pleasures in life was his love for exploring new flavors and cuisines. He delighted in trying different foods (the spicier, the better), embracing any diverse culinary experiences that came his way. Jake was a master griller during summer barbecues, one of his favorite past-times and where he was always the life of the party. However, his greatest joy came from simply spending time with his family, no matter the activity or agenda. He always knew what some of us at times forget, that spending time with those you love is the most important thing in the world.

A true embodiment of compassion, his tender heart extended to all creatures and Jake possessed a profound love for animals, a trait he undoubtedly inherited from his mother. He took great pleasure watching over and caring for all animals crossing his path, most recently his own cats Kitten and Molly, and a certain well-fed racoon family always stopping by Jake's house.

Jake will forever be remembered for his immense love, kindness, and devotion. He leaves behind a lasting impact on the lives of his surviving loved ones, including his wife of 27 years, Renata Janik, his daughters Karolina and Michalina ("Michelle"), and his son Matthew. His Brother and best friend Eric . His wife Renata stood by Jake with unparalleled devotion observed by all who knew them as a couple, and they shared a deep and loving connection. Jake's whole family feels lucky to have had Jake show them the meaning of unconditional love as he supported them in everything they did. Jake had a delightful sense of humor, specializing in "dad jokes" that never failed to elicit laughter and joy from his children. He was a gentle father, always promoting peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation amidst any disagreement.

The family invites relatives, friends, and all those whose lives were touched by Jake to a viewing on Tuesday, March 16, 2023 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Kaczorowksi Funeral Home located at 1201 Dundalk Ave., Baltimore, MD. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on May 17, 2023, at Holy Rosary Church located at 408 South Chester Street in Baltimore, where we will gather to celebrate his life and bid farewell to a remarkable man.

Jake's absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him, but his spirit will continue to shine through the lives he touched. May he rest in peace.