Jacob Addison Runge, 27, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, died Tuesday, May 15, 2018. His funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 23, in The Cathedral Church of St. Luke & St. Paul, 126 Coming Street at 2:00 pm with burial to follow in the churchyard.
Addison was born September 5, 1990, in Conway, SC, son of Edgar Gustave "Skip" Runge, Jr. and Shirley Bishop Runge. He graduated from Trident Academy in 2009. He attended Brevard College where he studied music performance and was a gifted vocalist. Addison worked in guest relations at the South Carolina Aquarium, where he loved feeding and interacting with God's creatures of the sea. He was a member of The Cathedral Church of St. Luke and St. Paul, and a part of its family of church musicians.
He is survived by his parents of Mount Pleasant, SC; paternal grandmother, Irma Jayne Runge of Mt. Pleasant; aunts and uncles, The Rev. Richard and Lois Runge of Charlotte, NC, The Rev. Melvin and Dr. Mary Runge Jacob of Maitland, FL, Dr. Jeffrey and Ginny Runge of Chapel Hill, NC, Ms. Deborah Bishop Clark, Van and Cara Bishop Hendrix of Myrtle Beach, SC, and David and Mary Ann Bishop, of Pawley's Island, SC.
Addison was a music aficionado with broad musical taste. He was known for his infectious laugh and his mellifluous baritone, which he applied to choirs in several churches in Charleston. He was proficient in diverse musical genres, among them 80s music and traditional sea chanteys which he enjoyed singing with his dad. He seemed never to hear a lyric that he could not remember. He amazed his family when he and his dad could reproduce entire scenes from Monty Python in antiphonal recitation.
Addison was foremost a devoted Christian who most valued his personal relationship with God. His life was centered around his Lord from beginning to end. He treated everyone with love and respect, and he did his best to follow the example of Jesus. His work at the SC Aquarium gave him special insight into God's creation, and he worked diligently to learn about it and share it with the aquarium guests.
How blessed we are when God allows a child to come into our lives to become our teacher. Addison was an outstanding teacher to friends and family alike. He was an outstanding example of patient endurance, courage, perseverance, and strength as he continually faced enormous challenges throughout his life. He was forever optimistic, refused to dwell on the negative, enjoyed life to the full, and accepted with grace his limitations without complaint. His sense of humor was contagious, and all who knew him loved him. His heart for God was tender and pure. His life, though brief, leaves a deep impact and a lasting inspiration upon us all.
At times God sends the world a teacher we never forget whose life continues to speak long after we leave the classroom. Addison was God's gift to this world, and all who knew him are better people because of his presence among us.
Memorials may be made to the Sea Turtle Care Center at the SC Aquarium, 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston, SC, 29401.
