COEUR d’ALENE – When Cathy Compton was asked to describe her son Jake, she paused. And then, the words flowed.

“He had a bigger-than-life smile.”

“His light lit up a room.”

“He had a soul way beyond mankind.”

Jake Compton was a man who loved being around friends and family, and they loved being around him, Cathy said.

He will be missed and life won't be the same without him.

“I’m happy he’s in the arms of his father and he’s free,” Cathy Compton said Wednesday in a phone interview with The Press.

Jake Compton, 36, of Coeur d’Alene died Jan. 20 while on vacation in Cancun, Mexico. His mom said he died of heart failure, which was surprising as he was healthy, an avid snowboarder and someone who “lived and breathed for the outdoors.”

"He traveled the world," she said.

An account has been opened at GoFundMe to help pay for bringing Jake home and a celebration of life. It will also go into a trust fund for his young daughter, Harper.

Donations already total about $14,000 of its $15,000 goal.

“He was loved by so many and this tragic loss to his family and extended loved ones has been absolutely devastating,” wrote Ian Pang, fundraising organizer.

Compton, longtime running coach at Coeur d’Alene High School, said the details of her son’s death are not yet clear, but what is clear is that many people adored the man known as “Compy."

“He attracted people,” said his mom, who has taken in Jake’s best four-legged friend, his dog Kona.

“She’s very special,” Cathy Compton said.

Here’s what some said about Jake Compton in social media posts.

“I don’t Have the words to say how much I love you Jake! You are my brother and best friend! We have shared so many great times and memories that I will forever cherish. I can’t believe that you’re gone, I will miss your bear hugs, your contagious laugh and your big smile. I’m going to miss you!” — Nick Cox.

“I will never forget and will always hold onto that incredible twinkle in your eyes when you smiled, you always made us feel like we were the most special and funny person in the room.” — Mark and Elysia Porter.

“I met Jake in 8th grade at Canfield Middle School. In High School we became close friends. Getting to know Jake was truly a gift. Compton will always have a place in my heart because of the bond we had and things we've been through.” — Anthony Flores

Cathy Compton said her son loved his daughter.

“She was his lifeline,” she said.

A memorial service is being planned and a date is expected to be announced soon.