SrA Jakob James McGuire, USAF

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Senior Airman Jakob James McGuire, 23, a dedicated member of the United States Air Force, who left us far too soon on Friday, October 18. 2024. Jakob, a crew chief working on C-17s with the 62nd Maintenance Squadron at McChord Air Force Base in Seattle, Washington, was driven by a profound love for his country and a dream of becoming a flying crew chief. 

Jakob was born on October 5, 2001, at Yokota Air Base, Japan into a family with a rich legacy of military service. Jakob was the proud son of Air Force veterans, including his mother, father, and stepdad. This deep-rooted commitment to service shaped his character, and he embodied the values of generosity, integrity, and hard work. 

A passionate athlete in his youth, Jakob spent countless hours on the baseball field as a left-handed switch hitter, reflecting his determination to master every challenge he faced. His adventurous spirit extended beyond sports; he cherished the great outdoors, often found fishing, camping, or exploring nature. He had a unique ability to make friends wherever he went, never hesitating to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, even when he had little to give.

Jakob was a man of many talents and interests. He loved working on vehicles, especially motorcycles and Ford Rangers, and was known for his knack for fixing anything that needed repair—especially for his beloved mother. His creativity shone through in his artistic pursuits, from drawing and origami to building intricate designs with Legos. He was always tinkering in his friends' garages, eager to learn new trades and share his knowledge.

His spiritual journey was important to him; Jakob embraced a variety of faiths during his time in basic training, attending services of different denominations, reflecting his open-minded and inclusive nature. His love for animals, especially cats, was evident, and he found joy in the simple pleasures of life, including his mother’s cooking.

Jakob's humor, intelligence, and unwavering determination made him a cherished friend, son, and airman. He thrived on being busy and never shied away from a challenge, whether it was riding ATVs since the age of two or volunteering to help others in their time of need. Though Jakob’s time with us was brief, his legacy of love, laughter, and selflessness will forever be remembered. He touched the lives of many and leaves behind a community that is better for having known him.

His brother, Abel James McGuire, preceded him in death.

His memory will forever be treasured by his parents, Suzanne “Suzi” Clavier (Daniel “Danno”) and Robert “Rom” McGuire (Stacie); siblings, Keana Beckemeyer, Christopher Milbee (Gage), Kyle McGuire, Mabel McGuire and stepsister, Gianna Sapio; along with his huge extended family all over the country including cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, friends and unit 62MXS at McChord. 

Visitation will be Monday, October 28, 2024, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A funeral service will immediately follow in at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home. 

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggests memorial donations be given in memory of Jakob McGuire to The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675 or Disabled American Veterans at 843 40th Ave NE, Columbia Heights, MN 55421. 

For friends unable to attend at this time, the service will be streamed live at https://www.youtube.com/@McCulloughFuneralHome via the McCullough Funeral Home’s YouTube page.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.