Jacob K. Johnson

Jacob K. "Jake" Johnson, 29, of Bethel, Alaska, passed away Monday, May 20, 2013, in Bethel of natural causes.

He was born Aug. 29, 1983, in Nampa, Idaho, the third child of Jerry and Leora Johnson. When Jake was 11/2 years old, his family moved to rural Alaska, where he grew up. He graduated from Valdez High School, where he played varsity basketball, ran on the state championship cross-country team and placed in the all-Alaskan track meet in the mile event.

Jake loved all things Alaskan; the majestic mountains, the northern lights and outdoor activities. He caught hundreds of king salmon and halibut -- many of which were over 100 pounds. He attended college in Washington and Idaho but said there were "way too many people," and he decided to move back to Alaska for the rest of his life. He got his wish.

After returning to Alaska, he worked for the U.S. Forest Service as a guide at the Valdez Visitor's Center, and later, he went to work at Alaska Airlines. He loved the last five years in Bethel, where he could walk out his back door and shoot ptarmigan, ducks and geese. He loved to hunt big game with his father and friends, and he harvested caribou, bear, Dall sheep and deer.

Jake was adored by his 10 nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his parents, Jerry and Leora Johnson; siblings, Jeralee (Keegan) Jensen, Jenny Millan, Jay Millan and Josh Johnson; grandmother, Jeanetta Knowles; and 10 nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 25, at the Idaho Falls LDS 19th Ward Chapel, 3370 N. Fifth West, with Bishop Greg Baczuk officiating. The family will visit with friends from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St. in Idaho Falls.

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