Jacob Stephens

Beloved son, brother and father Jacob Flint Stephens died Aug. 30, 2019. He was greatly loved and his passing leaves a massive hole in our hearts. Jake was a victim of depression and alcohol addiction and his death came four days before his 38th birthday.

Services will be Friday, Sept. 6 at the Canyon View Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 10494 N. 4720 West, Highland, Utah (enter from Ole Bish Lane). The viewing will be at 1 p.m., followed by a funeral at 2 p.m. Services arranged by Anderson & Sons Mortuary in Highland.

Jake was a cowboy and adventurer who crammed more excitement into his short life than most people could experience in 10 lifetimes. He was also a loving father to four amazing children, Katelynn, Tagg, Brystol and Waylon, who live with their mother, Lindsay Leetham Stephens, in Soda Springs, Idaho. Although divorced, both parents remained devoted to their children.

Born in Provo and mostly raised in Utah, he lived in American Fork, Highland and Lehi. He attended Lone Peak High School and Snow College. He hated school, but he loved the opportunity it afforded him to build friendships that he maintained throughout his life. He acted in school plays and began working at after-school jobs as soon as he could. He maintained a strong work ethic throughout his life.

He spent his career in the auto industry. He started working at his grandfather’s service station, became a lot technician washing cars, then advanced to selling cars. In his first month, he was the dealer’s top salesperson. He quickly advanced to managing financing and then to selling commercial insurance and warranty products to auto dealers in Wyoming and Montana.

Jake loved the wildness of Wyoming and he lived and worked in Cody for many years before moving to Riverton in 2018 with girlfriend Kalie Sessions.

Jacob was born with a powerful and consuming love of the outdoors. He was fishing and exploring as soon as he could walk and he spent as much time as possible hunting, fishing or just hanging out. He was an Eagle Scout. He loved horses and dogs and trained many of each.

He took pack trips into the Thorofare Wilderness, he hunted mountain lions and he ran ultramarathons in the mountains and deserts. He was a hunting guide and he was passionate about sharing his adventures with others. He was a model for outdoor gear advertisements and commercials and his hunting exploits were featured in national magazines.

He loved country music and he liked to play guitar with friends and family. Jake was gregarious and attracted friends like a magnet. He was generous and kind and loved to provide service to others. He was fearless, focused, devoted, driven, loyal and he usually excelled at anything he tried.

In addition to his children, he is survived by parents Flint and Anette Stephens; two sisters, Cally Nielson and Jenine Guariglia; and brother Creed Stephens.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to a GoFundMe account for the benefit of his children.