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Condolences

We appreciate those who maybe didn't know Jake well but have shared their condolences. We have received far more than are included here. Thanks to all--family, friends, and even strangers--who have shared your love and support.

 

NEAL CHAMBERLAIN

Whetten Family,
Words are still few to describe what i feel in my heart toward your son and my friend Jake. However, i find peace in knowing that his passing was perfect. I have run it through my mind, time and time again until the tears fog even the deepest corner of my mind. Questions are formed, but answered instantly using the increadible gift of the gospel we have in our lives. Sometimes I wonder if Jake would have prefered it any other way. And then I quickly remind myself..."NO way! Jake probably would have even asked for it the way it happened!"(That big little kid! Always playing something). I now know that not only is birth into this world a miracle, but birth into the next can be such a beautiful experience. I know that it was planned so perfectly. He even got to spend the night before remodeling the bathroom with you guys. I know because when i called him to go out that night he told me, "No, i am going to spend time with my dad and brother." He loves you so much. That is how Jake did it...running! Not only did he die running for the game he so loved, he died running to finish the game he had mastered, life. I know he loves you all. I saw it in his eyes as his Father in Heaven called him back to his presence. Thank you all as members of his family for allowing myself, and so many more people, to feel the great spirit of your son. We all love him.
A Friend of Jake's

 

JODY WOOD

Hello Jakes family. I was with him Saturday morning when it happened. He was on my team. I stood by him as his friends gave him a priesthood blessing. I watched the paramedics work on him as I prayed for him and for you in my heart. I had just met him that morning, but my heart goes out to you during this time.

With all the love and support a perfect stranger can give - Jody Wood

 

GLENN & MARY McMURTREY

Judd and Susan,
Mary and I cannot express the sadness we felt for you when the news came. We both hope the peace and promises of the resurrection will comfort you in this difficult time. I only met Jake once, when he was with Judd in the Honolulu Airport after returning from his mission. As I said "hello", I remember thinking, "like father, like son", polite, gentile giant and a good person (and really tall). Mary and I both commented afterwards that in the few minutes we had to meet Jake he had the personality of his father and the grace of his mother.
I can tell you Judd and Susan that everywhere I went Monday the University was quiet and thinking of you. We hope you feel the great love and deep feelings Laie has for you and your family. Return soon knowing that your many friends are waiting. Love Glenn and Mary McMurtrey

 

DELSA MOE

I/we (the whole ward) was in total shock yesterday when it was announced about Jake's sudden passing. We couldn't believe that the handsome, TALL and shy smiling Jake had returned to Heavenly Father. We didn't have enough time with him.
 
I remember just before he came home from his mission, how his Mom was so excited for his return because she had been constantly amazed with the spiritual giant she had been corresponding with on a mission. She wanted to find out if this was really her son writing those letters or not. Sure enough, when they met him at the end of his mission, she couldn't get over how much he had changed. "He looked liked Jake, his voice sounded like Jake, but he was so spiritually mature", was how she described him. It was a new Jake and she was so proud and pleased with the results his mission had produced.
 
When he gave him homecoming speech to our ward, I knew exactly what Susan was talking about. His testimony was so strong and unwavering. He knew his scriptures well and it was evident he loved his mission and that he had been an effective missionary. I remember thinking, "I hope my boys turn out like Jake". I guess when you're a great missionary on earth, you can be a greater missionary in heaven and the Lord must've needed him in a big way.
 
Susan (and Judd and family), singing time was dedicated to you yesterday and the primary kids sang songs about the family and being a forever family in the hopes that you would "feel" their message and be comforted by them. Both primaries were deeply affected by your loss. We wish we could be there with you all to bring meals over, set-up chairs, clean-up, sing Aloha Oe at the funeral, laugh and cry with you, but our prayers and thoughts will have to do for now.
 
Judd, Susan and the rest of the ohana, please accept our deepest sympathies for Jake. He died a worthy solidier of God's Army. What more could a parent ask for? With lots and lots of aloha,
 
Delsa Moe and family
Laie 1st Ward

 

KAJIYAMAS

Judd and Susan:
What a tragedy! We are so sorry! We can't believe it! We cried for him and for you. We picture Jake always smiling shyly as the most pure and finest boy. It seemed that he had not changed at all since we met him at age of 10 or so. Only his statue had changed into a tall man. He had kept his innocence and purity into present. He worked very diligently at the cafeteria and everyone liked him. Jake was someone very special and was ready to leave this earth. When we were young students at Y, one of our close friends accidentally killed by car accident. He was a very perfect in every area and people said that he was ready to leave the early life. Jake was a perfect man. And yet, our hearts ache and weep for him. We pray for you, Judd and Susan. Be strong.

Immediately we reflected our mind to our own children, Jennifer and Nicole, our youngest. We surely do not know how to react if one of them accidentally passes away. I know it must be very, very hard for you to take your youngest son, Jake's death. It was just this past summer we saw you, Susan at L & L in Provo with your family members. Everyone
looked so happy then, but Jake was not with you. Was Jake living with Brady at the time of death?

Our love and prayer go with you.
Kats and Hilda

 

SARAH BETH BLISS

Dear Brother and Sister Judd Whetten,

I am sorry to hear about your son. My dad contacted me yesterday and told me the shocking news. I didn't know him but I knew Judd. He is a great man and I am sure his son was just as great. It is a great reasurrance to know of this gospel and to know that you can be with your son again. It is sad to see a loved one go and I am sure it is even harder to see a child pass away. It is shocking to think that your son was my age and probably in better shape than I am. I love you and pray for you.

Sarah Beth Bliss

 

GRANT J. LABARBERA

Dear Family,
 
I just wanted to write you and tell you how sorry I am that this has happened.  It seemed to be so quick and unplanned and tragic.  I did know Jake, I might have seen him around, (being so tall!) but he sounds like a wonderful person and child of our loving Heavenly Father. 
 
I really do not know what exactly you would want right now, but I know if this were me, a sound testimony and a loving hand is what I would desire.  I just want you to know that I firmly know, with all my heart that God has a plan, the Plan of Happiness, and it is true.  I know that many generations ago, through His great love, His perfect love, He sent His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to live for us and die for us.  He came here, and He lived a perfect lilfe, of peril.  There were many that were after Him, always.  He lived every day teaching and preaching and setting the perfect example for us, never fearing nor opening His mouth in anger or grudge.  He created all things, including us, and the silver that was paid for His death.  How tragic and sad, that that needed to occur so that we could be saved, so that we, though imperfect and sinners every single day, could be saved after all through His grace. 
 
Although seemingly complex, and hard to understand, it is true, this I can bear unto you and all your loved ones, that it is true.  I know that Christ died for us, and that through that wonderful act of love, teh Atonement, when we reach that moment when it is our turn to pass on, we will be with Him again.  We will also again have our bodies one day, through the resurrection, and you will be together as a family for all time and eternity.   I know that it is all part of the marvelous and wonderful plan that our loving and kind Heavenly Father has prepared for us so that we can be and have all that He is and has, we are heirs to everything that He has.
 
I want you to know that I love you and hope and pray that you may be comforted in these times of pain, and tribulation.  As it says in Doctrine and Covenants, "After much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand."  This I know with all the power of my heart and soul, and want you to know during this tribulation, that the time will come when you will be crowned with much glory, being together as an eternal fanily in the presence of God and His Son Jesus Christ.
 
Take care and may the Lord bless you with comfort and peace and love during these difficult times.  Please, let me know if there is anything that I may be able to do.
 
With much love,

Grant J. LaBarbera