Jake Champ

Clarinda, IA

May 23, 1989-Sept. 1, 2013

 

A Time of Sharing for Jake Champ, 24, Clarinda, who entered into peace Sunday, Sept. 1, 2013 in Mills County, Iowa, as the result of an automobile accident was held 7:00 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 5, 2013 at Ritchie Funeral Home, Clarinda. Visitation with the family was held 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 5 at Ritchie Funeral Home. Memorials may be given on behalf of Jake's newborn daughter, Tyler Ann. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on our website at, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Clarinda.

Jake William Champ was born May 23, 1989 in Red Oak, to Kevin Lyon Champ and Valerie Jo (Hobbs) Champ. He grew up in Bedford and later moved to Clarinda in the fifth grade, later graduating from Clarinda High School in 2007. After high school, Jake moved to Colorado with a group of close friends and worked for Titan Machinery as a diesel mechanic. He returned to Clarinda in May, 2012, and was employed by his father at Champ Automotive as a mechanic and welder. In July, 2013, Jake found a new passion in being a father to his new born daughter, Tyler Ann.

Jake enjoyed life and having a good time. He lived by the quote "Stop worrying about life after death, concentrate on living before you die" and he really was a walking example of how to do that. He had a great sense of humor and a good outlook on life, he was so fun to be around. Jake was committed to his friends; he was forgiving and accepting. He felt a great sense of loss with the death of his best friend Matt Samo. Jake had a spirit of adventure, always finding something exhilarating to do; many times he would jump off of bridges or cliffs. He would always find a way to make things happen, instead of making an excuse about why he couldn't or shouldn't do something he wanted to do. Jake enjoyed water sports, riding ATVs, and recently tried surfing with his brother, Cliff, in Hawaii. Jake was passionate about anything with a motor, he loved to help his brother, Kenny, with his race car. He enjoyed listening to classic rock music and attending concerts with his friends.

Left to cherish his memory and keep him in their hearts forever are his mother, Valerie Champ of Creston; father, Kevin Champ and wife Teresa of Clarinda; daughter, Tyler Ann and her mother, Taylor of Clarinda; brothers, Cliff Champ of Bedford, and Kenny Champ of Clarinda; paternal grandparents, Ann Sterner of Ankeny, and Albert Champ of Raymore, Mo.; maternal grandfather, Victor Hobbs of California; other relatives and many, many amazing friends.

"The story of life is quicker than the wink of an eye, the story of love is hello and goodbye… until we meet again." –Jimmy Hendrix