Millsap Head Football Coach Jacob Johnson's 3-year battle with cancer ended Friday as Jacob's wife, Cassie, announced his passing on Facebook.
The devastating loss comes a month after the family announced the return of Jacob's leukemia after entering remission earlier this year.
In Cassie's post earlier today, she said, "I don’t know how to put into words quite how I feel or process what has happened. Jake, first of all, loved the Lord our God with all of his heart, mind, soul and strength. He loved me so fiercely and with so much passion and intentionality. He was the most incredible father. Everything was a teachable moment, or he always thought of special things to do or lessons to be learned. He was the best football coach there ever was. He always said it was his job to create men, then teach them how to play football. He also had a mission to make disciples out of them. He was a wonderful son and brother. He loved his parents and brother so much and made sure to check in on them daily. He modeled what his family would look like based on his childhood. He is a devoted friend, and if you were his friend, he always made sure you knew how loved and special you are to him! He never left anything unsaid. Most of all, I miss him."
Millsap Superintendent Dr. Harper Stewart and the district also put out a statement regarding Jacob's passing.
"It is with genuine and deep sadness that we share the news that our colleague, coach, and friend, Coach Jake Johnson, passed away earlier this morning. Coach Johnson was a valued, respected, and impactful member of the Millsap Community for more than a decade. His contributions to Millsap I.S.D. are generational, meaning his actions and service will shape the lives, values and circumstances of individuals for decades to come. Please keep Coach Johnson’s family in your thoughts and prayers. We also ask that you say a special prayer of comfort for our student body and our staff as we collectively navigate this most difficult time. Please be mindful of the family’s time and space. We will provide updates as they become available."
The Bulldog football team is currently 6-1 and a perfect 4-0 in District 16-3A heading into their Oct. 23 matchup at home versus Eastland.
Braun Johnson, Jacob's son, has amassed 2,206 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns through seven games in a season dedicated to his father.