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1975 - 2021
1975 - 2021
Obituary
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1975
2021
Bernard "B.J." Jonathan Tooker, 45, of Bear Lake, passed into our dear Lord’s loving arms Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at Munson Medical Center, in Traverse City, with his mother, Christine, and loving partner, Pam, by his side. He was born November 16, 1975, in Creve Coeur, Missouri, the son of Christine Eckhout and Carl Tooker.
B.J. served as a Sheriff’s Deputy in Douglas County, Nevada, for several years before pursuing a career in international security. He worked as a Security Specialist and Security Manager during his tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. In May, he returned to Michigan from Afghanistan where he took a job as Operations Manager with Thoroughbred Boat Company in Manistee
B.J. was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, in Onekama, where he served on the church board and helped with the food bank. He loved the outdoors, especially sailing, 4-wheeling, and riding his motorcycle. Most of all, B.J. loved spending time with his family.
B.J. is survived by: his loving partner, Pam Miklaski; mother, Christine Eckhout; father, Carl Tooker; sister, Carrie (Brad) Cockman; brother, Brian (Jenny) Clark; nieces, Lena Richardson and Sarah Clark; nephew, Charles Clark; and several extended family members.
B.J. was preceded in death by: his maternal grandparents, Bernard and Lenore Eckhout; and uncle, Michael Eckhout.
Mass from the Order of Christian Funerals will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Saturday, August 28, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, in Onekama, with Father Ruben Munoz celebrant. Interment will follow in the Pleasanton Township Cemetery in Bear Lake. Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM, Friday, August 27, 2021, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, 1132 Main Street, Frankfort, with the Rosary to be prayed at 7:00 PM. Visitation will also be held at the church from 10:00 AM until time of Mass on Saturday.
Memorial contributions may be made Cross Catholic Outreach, P.O. Box 97168 Washington D.C., 20077, or to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Onekama.
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Frankfort Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
www.beaconfh.com
Captain "BJ"
Jed Jaworski
September 16, 2021
Just learned of his passing today, stunned, speechless.
Mary Linton
August 27, 2021
Dear BJ. Though our lives took paths that rarely crossed, I have always, and will always, pray for peace and love to find your spirit. Words do not exist that can convey my sorrow for your loss. All I can give you is my faith that you are safe in God’s arms. Love, Mary
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Chuck Armitage
August 24, 2021
Carl:
May the good Lord be with you and the family as you try to deal with such a loss.
Many of your friends are sharing your sorrow, and will be thinking about you.
Coach A
Greg Gunn
August 23, 2021
BJ, Thank you Hero for your faithful service to your community & your country. You can now Rest In Peace. Your job here on earth is done. Safe travels my friend.
Cindy WebbWebb
August 21, 2021
Your Genoa Bar family is in sorrow. We love you BJ and will always remember your shining light on this community. Peace be with you
Terry and Mary Clawson
August 21, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends
Peter Heyden
August 20, 2021
BJ
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Sherry and I wanted so much to sail with you and Pam. He finally found his dream job building boats, and time did not allow it. We will miss you dearly
Peter and Sherry
Darby, Montana
Rick and Mary Ann Baughman
August 20, 2021
He was a very special nephew.
Kathleen Boynton
August 20, 2021
My heart and prayers go out to Christine, Cary and Pam. Although I didn’t get to meet BJ, I knew you from your mom and sister. Rest peacefully in the hands of the Lord.
Brad Cockman
August 20, 2021
BJ, I can't say that I knew you real well, but the time we had together was terrific. I sure wish we had the chance to spend more of it. You went waaaaay to early, we all thought you would beat this damn virus and it baffles us that you couldn't. I want you to know that I will always be there for your sister and the rest of your family. God's got you now. Rest and ride in peace brother-in-law.
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Glick
August 20, 2021
We only met BJ twice. The first time was at my son, Jarrod Guilford's wedding. The second time he came down to Cassopolis to see Jarrod and he later dropped Jarrod off at our house. Unfortunately he did not stay the night.
We would have loved to have him stay. My husband and I were so shocked and saddened to hear this. It is just unbelievable. We are praying for your family. I am sure he will be greatly missed.
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