John James Imhoff

April 20, 1991 - January 12, 2010

Jake Imhoff
April 20, 1991-January 12, 2010

John James “Jake” Imhoff, 18, passed away from complications of pneumonia.  He was born April 20, 1991 to Bob & Susan Imhoff.
Though he’s never known life without cerebral palsy and its numerous complications, Jake has lived a life of love and has been a great teacher of compassion, tolerance, and the power of just being.

Jake leaves behind his mom and dad; brother, Beau; sisters, Cait & Allegra; Maria Nino and Karinna Ortiz; grandparents, Janet Mann-Kalm and Michael Kalm; Carol Ann Imhoff; Mike Mann; and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.  He is welcomed into heaven by his twin brother, Little Joe, and his grandpa Jim (Imhoff), and many others who have been eagerly awaiting his arrival.

We’d like to thank all his teachers, caregivers, doctors, the staff at West Jordan Care Center, our wonderful friends and all who have loved Jake throughout his life.  Know that he’s enjoying a great big belly laugh and a crooked smile as he thinks of you all. 

Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated, Friday, January 15th at 11:00am at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 1975 South 2300 East, Salt Lake City, where his family will greet friends one hour prior to the service and immediately after the service, in the Church Social Hall, during a celebration of Jake’s release from this human existence.

“Jakie, play, laugh and jump in Heaven.  Have so much fun, meet Little Joe, make new friends and we hope your happiness never ends.  Talk to God, live in love and watch over us from above.  Rest in peace, never ask why, you’re in our hearts, we love you, goodbye” –with love, Cait.

In Loving Memory

Bob and Susan, we were sorry to hear about your loss, but we also know that Jake was truly loved by both of you while he was here on this earth. He will be happy and free from all of his earthly limitations now that he is in heaven. God Bless you both and know that you are in our prayers. Greg and Lori Romero

Lori A Romeroq

West Jordan, Ut

May God Bless you all. My sincerest sympathy.

Christine Hitchcock

Lafayette, Co

Bob, Susan, Beau, Cait and Alle, our deepest sympathy to all of you. Jake is rejoicing in heaven and finally able to be with his brother. Know that you are in our prayers and may God Bless all of you. Much love Mary and Jim Markosian and family

Mary Markosian

Salt Lake City, UT

We are so grateful for the time our son Austin spent getting to know Jake at school at Kauri Sue Hamilton. We are thankful to you for sharing him with everyone. We already miss Jake so much. He touched our hearts and pierced our souls with his brilliant blue eyes. I'm so grateful Jake and Austin became friends, and I hope Jake is now finding joy and happiness in his freedom. I'm so sorry for your empty arms, and I pray for your peace and comfort.

Keri Gillespie

Riverton, UT

Bob and Susan, I am so sorry to read about Jake's passing. Though I never personally knew Jake, I knew of his birth and subsequent care it has taken all these years on his behalf. Jake is truly loving eternity now, united again with his brother and Grandpa Jim. He is free of pain. I know you will be reunited with him again. God Bless You. Love, Sharon Schirack-Kerkman

Sharon Schirack -Kerkman

West Jordan, Ut

Though I never met Jake I know of him from the Christmas card pix and letters over the years. You guys gave him the very best life he could've had and loved him to the moon and back. I'm sure all who knew him are better off for the lessons learned, blessings counted. He's in a better place now, with his twin brother in Heaven and will always...always...be in your hearts. You're in my thoughts and prayers. Laurie

Laurie Fellows Haun

Gilbert, AZ

Bob, Susan, Beau, Cait and Allie- I was deeply saddened last night when Leenie told me about Jake. I am sorry for your monumental loss. Jake certainly could not have more loving parents and siblings than you. In that regard, he was truly blessed during his short time here on earth; and he is now in a place where he does not have to deal with earthly restrictions and challenges. Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers. -Kevin

Kevin McDonough

Salt Lake City, Ut

Bob, Susan and Family, I would like to express our deepest sympathy at this difficult time. It is my belief that Jake is with God now and in the warm embrace of His love. You showed him so much love on earth that I am sure he will be comfortable with His love in heaven. Our prayers and thoughts are with you, and may you have the strength our Lord gives to get you through this sad time. From the entire Dean family.

Tim Dean

Arlington, Wa

Bob and Susan, we were very sad to hear about the loss of Jake. Loss is something we all experience, but no one can understand exactly what you are feeling. Simply know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this sad time. With our deepest sympathy Ron and Marsha Rodgers

Marsha Rodgers

Salt Lake City, Ut

Jake, rejoyce and be free in the immense love G'pa Jim and Lilltle Joe already enjoy. God bless and peace to your loving family.

Christina and Marie

Murray, Ut, nan

Bob, Susan and Family, we were very sorry to hear about the loss of Jake for now. I can picture him re-united with his brother playing and doing things he was unable to do here on this earth. It seems like yesterday that we were at the Pappas cabin and camping together when Jake and Joe were born. The years go by so fast, but we have always keep your family in our minds. May God Bless you both and please let us know if we can do anything to help you get through this time. Gary and Toni Van Ekelenburg

Gary and Toni Van Ekelenburg

Sandy, Ut

Stark Family, We are so sorry for your loss, He is in such a better place now. May God bless your family! Jeff and Loretta And Anthony Ruiz

Ruiz Family

SALT LAKE CITY, ut

Beau, Allie and Cait: You guys are the best brother and sisters Jake could ever have! We're thinking about you. Love, Tony

Tony Bird

Sandy, UT

Dear Bob and Susan, We send our sympathy over Jake's passing. Seeing his picture and reading of him brought good memories of the times we spent together with Rainbow Friends. We remember the dedicated care and love you showed him. Living 18 years is a tribute to that love. We're sorry we can't come by the church to see you, as we will be in San Diego for the weekend. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. Dave and Betsy

David & Betsy Folland

Sandy, Ut

On behalf of our staff, please accept our condolences and sympathies at this time. Our thoughts are with you. Bereavement Services LifePath Hospice and Family Care

Cinde Mittuch

Layton, Ut

Bob--just a note to let you know you and your family are in my thoughts. Tim Parkinson

Tim Parkinson

nan, nan

Dear Susan, Bob, Beau, Cait and Allie, our family is far away from you but you're in our thoughts and prayers. I'v enever seen anyone who could look right into a soul before and Jakie had the perfect eyes to do it. Though the times we saw him were few, I will never forget what it was like having an encounter with such purity. Though now there is an empty space where he once was, you'll feel his prayers and know he and Little Joe are watching over each of you. May you be blessed knowing our Lord used your hands and your kindness to care for the boy you shared with Him. All our love and warmth, The Baranek Family

Renee Randle-Baranek

Everson, WA

Bob and Susan, Wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this very difficult time. May God bless you and your entire family.

Tom Grant

Greeley, Co

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and all your family at this very difficult time. With all deepest sympathy, John, Cindy, and Rachael Neumann

CINDY NEUMANN

SALT LAKE CITY, ut

Bob and family. Please accept my sincere sympathies regarding the news of the passing of your son John James. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Andy and Julie Gusho

Andy Gusho

Mequon, wi

To the Imhoff Family, Our deepest condolence in your loss. We know that he is free of all his earthly bounds and in Heaven. I am sure that he was meet by his brother and grandfather. We will keep all of you in our prayers.

John L. Lords

Sandy, Ut

It was a beautiful service. I attended but there were so many people, I didn't have time to greet you. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers and, as so beautifully expressed, 'rest in peace, play and laugh and meet little Joe'. And also hope that he finds our son, James and grand daughter Jennifer. God bless you all. Ruth Ann

Ruth Ann and Bill Smith

Sandy,, Ut

To the Imhoff Family: It's amazing how our lives have been touched by Jake. Our deepest and most sincere condolences go out to all of you. Jake will forever be remembered and our thoughts and prayers are with you. Patty, Mike, Justin and Tyler Brimley

Patty Brimley

Salt Lake City, Ut

Susan, I am so sorry for your loss of that sweet little guy. You will miss him. I will always remember his smile and how he never complained about anything. With love, Randi Oliver {Jordan Valley}

Randi Oliver

West Jordan, UT

Susan, Members of our writing group remember your very powerful story about this boy, his birth and the many difficulties he faced. We share a very special caring as the result of our close association. You can now tell the whole story of his life with your family. With deep sympathy. Helen Mulder

Helen Mulder

Salt Lake City, Ut

Bob, Susan and Family, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Jake. If there is anything that I can do please do not hesitate to ask. May God bless you at this hard time. With all deepest sympathy,

Mark J. Sanchez

Murray, UT

Bob, Susan and family, we are sending our warmest sympatihies to all of you during this sad time. Hopefully your consolation is that Jake is now with all of the other angels, who must be smiling down on all of you for your great care of him.. Much love to you all.

Jim and Terri Yeckley

Park City, Ut

Dear Susan, Bob & family, It has been a long time, how sad we were to hear of Jake's passing. What a celebration he is having now! Celebrating in a way he has never been able to celebrate before. We have missed hearing from you during the holidays. Alison mentioned that she ran in to you at an event at the school where you teach. We are now back in Salt Lake & loving every minute of it with the kids and grandkids. Warm hugs, Nyla, Alison & Monica PS: Please know I have always had and continue to keep a special place in my heart for both of you.

Nyla Johnson, Alison Faux-Tartaro & Monica Faux-Kota

Salt Lake, UT

To the whole Imhoff Family... Jake is with Joe in Heaven and with one of his biggest fans, my mother Joan Byrne. Yes, Jake has taught us all great lessons in life. Thank you Jakie...you couldnt have been born into a family that could have loved you more! Our prayers and love to all!

Teresa Nye

Jackson Hole, Wy

To Jake's Family: I knew and loved Jake during his years at Hartvigsen and will always cherish those memories. His was a special spirit, and while I am glad that he is now free to soar in his new realm of existence, this world seems emptier knowing that he has left us behind. Please know that I appreciate the privilege of having spent time with Jake. I will never forget his sweet smile or his excitement when he realized that kicking his foot could make chimes ring. He helped me appreciate the beauty that is waiting to be found in the simplest of experiences. I hope your family feels comfort at this time of separation from the very special spirit that is Jake.

Barbara Winters

Salt Lake City, Ut

Bob, Susan and Family: I was saddened to hear about Jake's passing, but know he had a very full and special life. Our prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Much love, Kris and Doug Pettit

Kristine Pettit

Mequon, wi

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