Jacob Michael Stanley

Stanley, Jacob Michael, passed away, Thursday, July 15th, 2021, after a 40+ year battle with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). He was the loving son of Sherry (nee Richter) and Michael Stanley; dearest brother of Danielle (Doug) Zack; dear uncle of Holden Zack; loving grandson of the late Floyd and Dorothy (nee Braniff) Stanley and Arthur and Loretta (nee Schindler) Richter; dear cousin, nephew and friend of many.

Jacob was born January 23rd, 1980, and was diagnosed the following year. Although this would affect his entire life, his journey through life was eased by family, friends, many doctors and nurses, the Knights of Columbus Council #4962, the Knights of Columbus Clown Club, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, the Make a Wish Foundation, the Dream Factory and Kansas Specialty Dog Service.

Jake enjoyed annual MDA summer camps, and even took the 1st Place trophy home for winning the talent show with his comedy. He welcomed his service dog, a yellow lab named Beethoven, into the Stanley family in 1994. Beethoven became a member of the family immediately, smiled during the annual church family photo, and even developed the “Stanley sigh” (an audible sound of contentment). Beethoven was his constant companion for 10 years. Jacob graduated from Raytown High School in 1999 and studied computer science at Longview Community College.

He was a fan of Billy Wilder films, saw all of the Marx Brothers movies and was a fan of Broadway tunes. He believed that the 80’s had the best music and movies. He was known for his wicked sense of humor and he made it his mission in life to make his Mother laugh every day. Jacob never used a three-syllable word when a four-syllable word would work. In spite of his severe physical limitations, Jacob never asked “why me”.

Services; Memorial service at Cook Family Funeral Home, 163 Wyatt Way NE, Bainbridge Island, WA., Saturday, July 31st, 11am-12 Family, 12 — 2pm Visitation. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Kansas Specialty Dog Service or the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Arrangements are entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA