Jacob Gaylen Stucki

How can one man fit so much into one short life?

Jacob Gaylen Stucki joined a very excited family on June 10, 1989. Gaylen and Susan Stucki felt their family was complete when their long-awaited son arrived. Being the youngest child and only boy with four sisters and doting parents and grandparents meant a lot of spoiling. And he didn’t mind! The whole family created such a fun life together. Lisa, Heidi, Wendy, and Ashley adored Jake, and he adored them. His last text to his sisters the day before he passed away was “Love you ladies”. He also enjoyed close relationships with his brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. The bonds are strong in this family. Stucki Strong. We worked hard and played hard. Family activities with extended family members were a big part of Jake’s life.

Jake loved life and began early developing his talents and creating hobbies. Jumping bikes and skateboards, swimming, t ball (which really was mostly looking for bugs in the grass on the ball diamond during the games), carving, whittling, making bows and arrows, motorcycling, fishing, hunting, trapping, knife making, leather work, saddle building, art ( he loved to draw), metal art, camping, riding horses, body building, gardening, hiking (he hikes like a mountain goat), and fly tying. He was invited to teach fly tying at the local expo when he was a teen. He is a skilled marksman, and archer. He is proud of his sheds, mounts, and bear rug.

He has always loved animals and recently got a few chickens to raise on his own little farm. That brood of chickens has grown exponentially. Caring for the chickens, ducks, turkeys, and quail have been a source of delight for him, Angela, and the kids. He has also been known to have many cats.

Family traditions were important to him. He loved spending time with his family. He and his dad were “partners” for life, their nicknames for each other were “pard”. He and his mom were very close and would share many long talks. As a teen, she would lay on his bed as they discussed whatever was on their minds. He was always respectful of women. His passing has left a huge hole in each of our hearts.

Island Park, the Stucki Ranch, and the Selway are some of his favorite places. He and his dad loved their time together hunting anywhere, but the Selway was always a highlight. Spending time in the serenity of the mountains together was what they loved and cherished most. That time together was priceless.

Jake made friends wherever he went. It seemed every name he mentioned while in the army was ‘my friend’ or ‘my buddy”. He loved people and loved them hard. He even expressed love for his doctor, his teachers, ecclesiastical leaders, and his accountant. Age didn’t matter when it came to making friends. Rare were the times when he didn’t express his love to others in his texts and phone calls.

He learned to work hard with his dad in concrete construction and on the family farm and ranch. Even at a young age, he was only one of a few that were trusted with a branding iron for the calves. He enjoyed time on the back of his horse trail riding cattle to the ranch. Time at the ranch was always enjoyable whether he was working or playing. A beaver pond at the ranch was aptly named Jake Lake. The street in their housing development was named Jake Lane. Who else has a road and a lake named after them?

He loved school, probably recess most, at Iona Elementary, Rocky Mountain Junior High, and Bonneville High School and was honored to be awarded a welding scholarship to EITC by Idaho Steel.

His work experience was diverse. He has enjoyed each of his jobs; dental lab, welding, well drilling, assisting with trail rides on a dude ranch, hunting guide in Alaska, working for a crop duster, helping in the family concrete business many times over the years, and finally, the job of his dreams, Security Guard at INL. Everywhere he worked, he made friends. The strong draw to do his duty as a citizen of this country led to his enlistment in the Army, first as an infantryman, then, as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. He loved his time in the military and gave it his whole heart and soul. His Grandpa Stucki was an infantryman in World War II and next to his dad, was Jake’s hero.

Jacob was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was very involved in scouting and earned the prestigious Eagle Scout award when he was 14.

He built the home of his dreams on the family farm and began growing his beloved gardens.

He met the love of his life, and a strong bond between him and Angela formed quickly. They shared the same passions, aspirations, and goals. They mapped out their future together; it was bright and full of hope. He loved to protect her and her children, and he did. As Angela recently faced some serious health issues, Jake optimistically walked with her through her challenges and cared for her perfectly and completely. These two young people faced a difficult storm together with courage and hope.

Jake passed away very unexpectedly, in an accident at his home, on May 9. He leaves behind the love of his life, Angela, Addison and Kaylyn; parents, Gaylen and Susan Stucki; siblings, Lisa Seedall, Heidi Albertson, Chris and Wendy Baird, Anthony and Ashley Birch; and many adoring nieces and nephews and numerous friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Orval and Lucile Avery, Grant and Leola Stucki; and nephew and buddy, Stetson Albertson.

Jake’s family is in awe at the outpouring of kindness and love that has been abundantly shared. Friends from all over, even internationally, have reached out to share how Jake has made a difference in their lives. He was a boy, then a man of many interests, talents, hobbies, and a heart of gold. He loved everyone.

In lieu of flowers, we are confident Jake would want any donations on his behalf to be used to help Angela. If you wish to donate to the Jakes Legacy Fund: https://account.venmo.com/u/JakesLegacy-Fund

The service will be live streamed. https://zoom.us/j/97255448662

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Iona Stake Center, 7555 North 55th East. The family will visit with friends Thursday from 6:30-8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, and Friday from 9-10 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Milo Cemetery. Military Honors will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and the Idaho Honor Guard.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.woodfuneralhome.com.