Jason “Jake" Carless Sturtz

I met Jake and Michele
On a cruise in the mediteranian. We became instand friends. They hosted us at their home and we traveled the world. Jake was one of a kind. A dear friend with open arms and a heart some genuine. I´ll miss his friendship. May he be out of life´s pain
And fly high. Until we meet again jakey

Jake Sturtz. Always A gentleman. So engaging. A dear friend. Our birthdays are coming up and you won´t be here. I love and miss you. Your blue eyes are forever in our hearts. The Smiths love and miss you. I can´t believe you are gone may you fly high. Until we meet again. You are one of a kind.

The last time I saw Jake...he talked about his journey...what he learned...love you, my cousin, Susan Teter Johnson

Nina and Jim, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God wanted another angel and He took Jake. However, we wanted to be a little selfish and wanted to keep him longer. Our wants were outweighed. Rest in peace Jake. Your beautiful smile and personality will be missed immensely. The Melvin Family: Gloria Cox, Jimmy Melvin, Elmira Pitchford, Gwendolyn Banks, and Joyce Melvin-Jones.

I, like my Grandma, always looked forward to "[her]-Jake" coming home. She would load him up with tasks and he would proudly complete every one. It was quite the laundry list, but I realized it was her way of saying "I love you," and I think he felt that too. He always took me along with him for whatever adventure Grandma got him involved in and I felt so proud to be his sidekick. He always encouraged me to try even though my little hands and curiosities probably slowed him down. He was my real life, big cousin MacGyver. I know you've sure got your hands full now, Jake - I'm sure Grandma found something along those streets of gold for you to fix! Save some for me.

Tom & I met Jake at the Piedmont Club in WS. From the beginning, we could tell he would be a great friend. I served as co-chair with Jake on the Club's Wine Committee. He was dedicated to making sure each event was done right & we had a great time planning all of them! While we have not seen Jake since he moved out of the area, our memories of his hugs, smile and generosity have stayed with us & we have enjoyed keeping in touch through social media. We will definitely miss seeing his photos, "likes" & comments on our posts. Our sincere condolences go to his family & friends.

We met Jake at a Big Head Todd concert. We just loved Jake and met up with him on many adventures. He stayed with us at our cabin and just loved the woods and nature here in Indiana. We were so sad to hear of his passing, he truly will be missed by so many for he touched so many lives. You and all of his family and friends are in our prayers. xo

It still hasn't really hit me that you aren't here any longer. I will miss you very much. I promise to look after Nina, as I recently adopted her as my younger sister (we have a lot in common). Until we meet again, my dear friend...
- Renee Lamury

Jake & I dated in high school. He was so good-looking and I loved his smile. I always wore his FFA jacket so I could smell him all day long. I am so sorry for your loss and will remember you in my prayers.

Candice (Stapleton) Martin
Pine Forest class of '88

Never forget Jake's good looks and smile. He had a great love for his Grandmother, my Mom, which will always put a smile on my face. He was always kind and generous and will be missed. The Lord touched him with Angels wings, and he showed that through his generosity every day of his life
Love You always....You Aunt Leslie

Will never forget our high school days. He was very special and had a million dollar smile. He is one of the best and will be missed.

Jake was such a loving husband. That is what I always saw first, his love for Nina. Their love for one another is timeless. Love you both so much.

Jake was always a friendly welcome face in Cyclebar. He always made you feel like you were a winner, even if your were only a beginner. I remember Jake showing up for my 100th ride at Cyclebar. He was always there to cheer everyone on!

In High School Jake always looked so serious but he was the nicest person. Rest well my friend.

Stacie Thomas
Pine Forest Class of '88

Jake was one of a kind.. He will be missed terribly.. I will keep the entire family in my thoughts and prayers...

Pine forest jr. High .
Jake was a stand up guy, always personable and genuine.
He recently reached out about our love of boating and suggested we get together sometime on the water.
RIP my friend. Gone but never forgotten.
Class of 88,
Michael Kell

God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

What I remembered most about Jake was his smile and warm embrace.when he meet you.

Jake was a good man and he will be missed. I pray for peace for Nina, Jimmy, and family.

Jake taught me the importance of excellence. In the late nineties when I worked for him he taught me to draw telecommunications blueprints. He said they were art. His truly were. My son the artist.

When the nurse laid you in my arms for the first time Karen Carpenter´s song CLOSE TO YOU was playing. Lyrics: On the day that you were born angels got together and decided to create a dream come true, so they sprinkled moondust in your hair and silver starlight in your eyes so blue. IT was your song, son. You were your mother´s dream come true.

His wonderful welcoming smile. The laughter we shared. Helping out when he noticed one was struggling with a chore. His joy of the nature around him, sunsets, on the James River & love of dogs. How he cherished his beautiful wife Nina.

Jake was a beautiful man on the inside and outside. When Nina's Uncle David was dying from cancer, Jake and Nina came by every dy and were so helpful and supportive. Jake touched our lives in a wonderful way. Forever in our hearts. RIP Jake.

Thank you for the wonderful evenings at your home, enjoying laughs, friendship and sunsets on the beautiful river you loved so much.. Thank you for those bear hugs and the I love you's. Thank you for the memories. Love you always friend... Until another time.........