Jacob Rowland Boltz, 42, was called to heaven on May 8th, 2013. Jake is survived by his parents, Floyd and Connie Boltz, his wife, Laura Boltz, their two children Connor and Jenna. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Figarelle (Reno, NV), and his brother John Figarelle, his wife Brenda and their son, Cody (North Pole, AK).
Jake was born at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula, MT. Floyd and Connie’s bundle of joy grew up very quickly. Between playing football and working at KCAP radio full time, he graduated from Capital High School in 1988. After he graduated, Jake attended Montana State University and worked for KBOZ radio in Bozeman, MT. There he met and married, Laura Richards on September 21st, 1991. In 1995 the newlyweds moved to Sheridan, WY where Jake worked for KROE radio as News Director.
It was in Sheridan, WY when Jake first started his career in law enforcement as a dispatcher in 1998. His son, Connor was born in November of 2000 and his daughter, Jenavieve was born in May of 2006. In 2002, Jake and his family moved to Helena, where he continued his work as a dispatcher for Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) Communication Center. A couple of years later, he was promoted to shift supervisor. In 2008, he had the honor of becoming the Communication Center Manager for MHP. In November 2012, he was assigned to the MHP Program Coordinator Position, and in this capacity he supported the Patrol with IT and CAD duties and responsibilities…an area in which he truly enjoyed.
Jake was a natural born leader and he always stood up for what was right. He was the true definition of integrity, honor, and justice. He was wise, kind and loving. He always had the ability to make everyone laugh. No matter how bleak the day had been, Jake always brightened it with his witty humor and infectious laughter. Jake loved movies, music and reading. He also had the ability to remember every single detail about anything he watched, heard or read. Jake was a wonderful story teller, with his avid use of words, one always felt as if they were in the place he was describing.
No words can truly express the greatness of this man or how many lives will be affected by his loss. Jake was loved by so many, that we must celebrate his life together.
A memorial service is scheduled at 1 p.m., Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at the Helena First Assembly of God Church, 2210 Dodge Ave. with a reception to follow the service in the church gymnasium. A memorial scholarship fund has been set up for his family in the name of Jacob Boltz’s Memorial Fund at Valley Bank of Helena, P.O. Box 5269, Helena, MT 59604 (406) 495-2400. To offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Jake, please visit: www.retzfuneralhome.com
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 14, 2013
Helena First Assembly of God Church
2210 Dodge Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Tuesday May 14, 2013
Helena First Assembly of God Church Gymnasium
2210 Dodge Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday May 14, 2013
Helena First Assembly of God Church
2210 Dodge Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Memorial Service
Tuesday May 14, 2013
Helena First Assembly of God Church Gymnasium
2210 Dodge Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
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Greg Chenoweth says
I am so sorry to hear about Jake’s passing. My heart is grieving so much right now for you, Laura, and the family. Please keep me posted on a memorial service. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kim Gilleland Barrett says
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. Jacob was such a wonderful childhood friend to have. I will forever remember playing Batman, riding bikes, building forts and reading comic books sitting on the fence with him. My deepest sympathies.
Susan Latimer says
I did not know Jake, but heard about him often. Never told him how he changed our family’s life for the positive. Never said Thank you, Jake. Will forever be grateful to you
Jennifer Weiss says
Words can’t express the feeling of loss of such a good natured friend, father and husband. Jake was such a ray of sunshine and always in the mood to discuss a good movie or “discuss” his philosophical view points on just about anything. He was one of the first friends I made when I moved to Helena and began working at the comm center, a friendship that endured 10 years of highs and lows for both of us individually and our families. It is through this friendship I met his wonderful wife Laura and their beautiful children. I had the pleasure of having Laura care for my munchkin during her early years. It is that connection as mom’s and friends that has forever linked us together. I can’t imagine the loss they are feeling at this moment because I am at a total loss myself. I am absolutely heartbroken that this has happened and my deepest sympathies go to the entire family. You are always in my thoughts, but I will being saying extra prayers for you tonight.
Dianne and Bill Gilleland says
Our hearts are heavy after reading about Jacob. He was such a delightful young man growing up in our neighborhood on Maynard Road. We are so very sorry and pray for comfort and healing for your family in the days and weeks ahead. He is precious and certainly will be missed by all who knew him.
Helen (Rosie) Taffs says
There are no words… gone too soon.
Dennis Carlson says
Strength and Honor, my friend. Strength and Honor.
Shanon Bartosik says
I am so sorry for your loss. Jake was a wonderful man and I have only the best memories of him. I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Angie Warner Jacot says
I don’t know what to say, I guess God needed another Angel. RIP my old friend and my prayers go out to your family.
Lars Straley says
I knew Jake since 5th grade, and I was proud to call him my freind. You will be missed.
Rich Clausen says
Jacob was one of my first friends when I moved to Helena from Bozeman before our 5th grade year… We remained friends throughout our school years, and regained contact a few years ago… I will always remember the time he gave me a copy of “Too Fast For Love” by Mötley Crüe on cassette, knowing they were my favorite band, as well as the good times we had in high school (football)… He was a big Star Trek fan, and I remember him getting teased by the other football players constantly…. He walked away from football our senior year, in part, I believe, because of the hazing… I always admired him for that decision— He was the bigger man, and his decision to leave, to me at least, showed he was the more mature man–rather than let those who put him down continue to do so, he showed the wisdom and courage to to leave that bullying behind… He was a gentle giant who I was very proud to call my friend, and no amount of time ever changed my opinion of him. I know I had not spoken to him for a while, but I’am very numb at his loss, and miss him dearly. Rest in peace my friend… All of us miss you dearly, and my prayers go out to Laura and their son… May God bless you both.
Karen Goldsberry says
Laura, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God give you strength to carry you through this difficult time.
Wade and Leslie Fisher says
I was so sad yesterday when I heard about Jake. He was an amazing man, friend, father and husband. My wife Leslie dispatched with him at the comm center and I was told where to go by him as a trooper for the MHP. Whenever I worked the night shift and knew that Jake was on duty I would stop by and it was always so much fun to listen to him tell stories and discuss movies and books that he had seen. Very much a science fiction guy. He used to always make fun of the fact that I would make so many friends on traffic stops,,,,NOT! When I retired from the MHP, Jake and Laura came to my retirement party and Jake gave me the book “How To Win Friends and Influence People” because of my knack with the public! Leslie and I just loved him so much. We are deeply saddened by this and will pray for his wonderful family during this difficult time. Jake will always have a big place in our hearts.
Joanne Stone says
Laura, I was so saddened to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. May our loving Father comfort and keep you.
Tracey says
Praying for the family. Jacob is gone too soon.
Barbara says
Sorry for your loss I know the greif and pain that goes with it. Praying for you and your family.
Molly Claymon-McLaughlin says
I was so saddened to hear about Jacob. When we were in High School together, I got the chance to direct a play (“And Jack Fell Down”) and he played the puppeteer to Jack and Jill. He was wonderful and we all had such a fabulous time. I will always think of him as a gentle giant. Sending prayers to your family and I am so sorry for your loss. It is a loss for all of us!
Kelli FInstad Williams says
Hearing this news felt like a sock to the gut. I went to school with Jacob at Rossiter Elementary. He was so kind to so many and I am saddened to hear of his loss.
Gary Pyke says
Sorry to see you go my friend. You have touched more people than you will ever know. Kind, Big Heart, Gone too soon.
Raylene Prout says
So saddened to hear about Jacob’s passing. I haven’t seen him since High School at Capital High, but remember him as being a sweet guy who cared for others. RIP, Jacob….
Anonymous says
“Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!” ………………… by Mary Frye
Missy Grinnell says
There is always Hope! There is a comfort and a deep peace that can only be experienced through God’s loving hand extended through a friend, a warm hug or a perfectly timed word of encouragement. Laura, I am praying for you and your family. May you be enveloped in love. (Missy Patrick-Bozeman)
Clancy King says
It was an honor to get to know Jake during his time at the Comm Center. He always had a welcoming smile and possessed that distinctive baritone voice. I pray every night for those I lost and reflect on Jake’s classic “last call” at their memorials. I am privileged to have had him as a friend. Better days ahead…
Brandy says
I had the privledge of knowing Jake for the past 7 years. Jake was my boss and my friend. I cant not wrap my head around what has happened but I pray for the ones he loved most so very very much, his wife and children and the rest of his family and friends!!!! He had the biggest heart and gave the most amazing hugs when anyone needed one. I will never forget you Jake and what an impact you made on my life!! RIP Love you
Rachel Glinsmann says
I cannot find the right words to express my feelings right now. Jake was such a great man in so many ways. I enjoyed our long talks about movies, he would let me borrow ones i hadnt seen yet and we’d discuss them the next day. He was a joy to be around. His smile lit up the room. He was also a great leader, he always believe in me and always stood behind my decisions %100. The knowledge he had was almost overwhelming, and with that he taught me so much. My job will never be the same with out him, my life will forever be changed with out him. My heart goes out to his family and also my prayers. Jake will always been remembered with a smile and i will miss him everyday.
Kathleen says
Jake always had a comforting word for those who needed it. He was a kind and gentle soul who loved his fellow man. Jake will long be remembered for the way he made those around him feel. He cared deeply for those he knew and he was well loved by everyone. I am so sorry for the loss his family and those who knew him are going through. My prayers for comfort and healing for the family in the days ahead.
Mike & Jessica Johnson says
I have been sitting around knowing I wanted to say something, but was not sure what to say about such a wonderful guy. I first met Jake through my wife Jessie who has been a dispatcher at the Comm Center for several years now. Jake was her ” Big Boss Man” when I was diagnosed with cancer in April of 2012. Jake and All the other Supervisors and Wonderful Dispatchers where just AWESOME when they got the news and my wife had to take time off work to accompany me to Seattle WA. for my preliminary appointments. Then Jake and his crew did the research and found a organisation that could help us out with off setting our cost for travel etc. during treatment. He called Jessie into his office one day while I was in Seattle under going treatment and handed her a check from this organisation to help us with travel expenses and what not. After my treatment was completed and I returned home I made it a point to tell my wife that as soon as I had my energy back that I wanted to come to the Comm Center and meet Jake and the wonderful people under his command. It was a couple of months after I returned home that I was able to get out to the Comm Center and Meet Jake. What a Guy we talked for an hour about the things i went thru and experiences along the way. I thanked Jake and everyone at the Comm Center for everything they had done to help Jessie and I out thru our time of uncertainty. Our hearts go out to Jake’s family and to all the dispatchers that Jake worked with. All though I did not know Jake very well I will always remember his generosity for the things he did for my family while i was under going Cancer treatment. The Lord Has another AMAZING Angel. You will be Greatly Missed By Us All! God Speed My Friend! Rest in Peace
Mike Johnson
Daniel Perrin says
Jake was one of the kindest men I have ever met. Being able to work for him was nothing short of an honor. His work at MHP turned the Communications Center into a small family, and his kindness and friendliness will never be forgotten. I only had the pleasure of knowing him for a short time, but his personality and demeanor was so unique…….it truly displayed him as one of a kind. Jake, I don’t know if you’re aware of how many lives you touched and influenced….but there are so many people that love you, and wish you were still here with us. Rest well, friend, we miss you. Riposa in pace, gli Angeli vi mostrerà la strada di casa.
carla tevis says
I only met Jake a couple times but talked to him frequently when I worked at pd/so in Helena, great guy, so young, sorry for your loss.
Scott Ollerton (married to Angie Robbins) says
Angie and I want to offer our heart felt condolenses to Aunt Connie and Uncle Floyd. May the Lord bless you and keep you in this most difficult time. We loved Jacob and enjoyed his posts on facebook. He will surely be missed.
dana cockrell says
i will miss your voice.
Peter Rosten says
Jake – thank you sooooo much for mentoring our Son. And more important, for being his friend.
Judy says
Jake – the man with the incredible radio voice. I remember when you first came on the MHP. The deep authoriative voice on the radio. Then getting to know you via the phone. Always laughing, always a pleasure to talk to. Then finally, the in person meet. I saw you this last October and I am glad I had a chance to sit and visit with you. You will be missed.
Shane Braden says
I only knew Jake through his family’s daycare days. From my impression of him he is a very good man he had a commanding presence about him. I am a very protective parent and when I met Jake I knew my children where safe in the hands of his family. I hope the best for his family. I pray that God and Jake watch over them for all-time A-Men.
Bob and JoAnn Longmire says
Floyd and Connie, we were so sorry to hear of your son’s passing. We want to offer our sincere condolences. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Rick Lamach says
Jake is one of the first friends I made when I moved to Helena, and a better person for a friend I could not have asked for. Laura asked me to share a story of Jake and after much thought I cannot think of a better example of the man he was than this:
During High School, Jake and I used to go to the Broadwater and work out and then go to Taco Bell and attempt to eat our weight in Burrito Supremes. It was common for us to make a contest of it, and I would be a liar if I did not admit that he routinely bested me. One night, however, was different.
We had both ordered what we thought we could eat, with Jake getting one more than I did. When we were all done, however, Jake still had two left and mine were all gone. I could smell the sweet scent of victory. Once we left Taco Bell, things would take a different turn.
Panhandlers in Helena were not a common thing in Helena back then, but there had been one that night that Jake had seen. As we were driving away from Taco Bell, Jake pulled over and handed the man the two uneaten burrito supremes. I have to admit that I asked him what he was doing. Jake replied to me that he had extra while that man did not have enough. To him it was simple math. And so while I had sat and bugged Jake about losing that night, he had instead taken care of someone unknown to him. It would take me years to understand the lesson of this, but since that time I have been very grateful to him for teaching it to me.
Jake was a giving man, caring and considerate to a fault. In the thirty plus years of knowing him, I do not know a single person that disliked him on a personal level. There is no one else in my life I can say that about. He was always an old soul, a gentle soul and a breath of fresh air. I will always remember how when he saw his friends he would smile that huge smile, grasp their hand in his enormous paws, and, if they were really lucky, give them a bear hug that would threaten to pop every joint in their back.
I regret that I will only hear his booming voice and laughter in my dreams from now on, but I am very thankful that I had the chance to know him. To Laura and the kids, Floyd and Connie, I am so sorry. There are no words for such a loss.
Rick
Larry Adorni MHP 213 says
First and foremost, my wife Natale and I are praying for you and you family.
My memories of Jake go back to my first duty assignment in Eastern Montana. I had the honor and pleasure of getting to know Jake as my buddy on the other end of the radio. His voice was a welcome sound. He was always professional, courteous and just downright fun to interact with. When I transferred to Helena, I got to know Jake (this time in person) even better, bringing new recruits into dispatch to see the amazing operation he ran.
I will miss seeing Jake and hearing his fantastic baritone voice. Most of all, I will miss his smile and sense of humanity rarely found these days.
Rest well, my friend.
Larry
Mitch Voss says
Status check Jake… Jake Status check….
10-4 We’ll be seeing you my friend…
Mitch #243
Dale Hall says
Laura and family,
So very, very sorry to hear about Jake. What a great man and it was such an awesome pleasure to have known him and called him friend. I’ll always remember a fantastic sense of humor and unique outlook on everything! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Dale
Marlee says
I met Jake almost 5 years ago now. I remember having lunch with him at the Staggering Ox and being a little frightened to proceed to the comm center with all the stories you told me of. I have to admit in the beginning I was a little intimidated by his knowledge & experience. I didn’t ever want to upset him or let him down. I was in awe of his intelligence sometimes even running to a dictionary to look up some word he used so nonchalantly like I should know exactly what it meant. When he was around the mood was always lighter, and happier. His smiles and positive outlook will always be remembered. He would always back up a statement with a fact or a reason. He always gave me the encouragement to go on whenever I was ready to give up. He would always add a little direction also. As the years went on he would always turn a meeting or a simple hello into an hour long conversation. I walked away from each of those conversations being totally enlightened by him. Over the years I learned he was not at all judgmental he was understanding and approachable. Whenever he corrected me it was in the most gentle way, yet his voice spoke with authority. He gave me a wise perspective in every single situation. It wasn’t only dispatching that he would help me with, but also life’s challenges in general. He was ALWAYS there for me. He always said I could get a hold of him day or night anytime about anything. There were a few times I did. I don’t recall if I offered him the same… I wonder if I would have made it a point to do so if he would still be here? There are so many words left unspoken. He was more than a manager he was someone I could always count on. I’m so grateful he was part of my life.
Brandi Gregg says
Miss Laura,
I am so sorry to to hear of your husbands passing. I didn’t know anything about it. I’m so sorry. I look forward to having you back if you come back to school. My deepest condolences and sympathies.
Love, Brandi and Cason
Heather Ireland and Dmitri Jumpp says
Laura, Connor and Jenna,
Words are inadequate in expressing how deeply sorry we are for your loss. Memories of Jake will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Sally Nyland says
Connie, Floyd and Family,
I was shocked and so sorry to hear of Jake’s passing. Please accept my condolences and know that you are in my thoughts at this most difficult time. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Heard County 911 Franklin, GA says
We are not blood related but we are part of the dispatcher family. Please tell the family that are thoughts and prayers are with them.
Becky Warner, Jefferson County Sheriff's Office says
Jake was truly a wonderful person and an awesome dispatcher. I enjoyed getting to know him over the years and will miss his cheerful disposition. I am privileged to have known him. May those he has left behind be comforted knowing that he has gone now to take his place at the right hand of God.
Heidi and Courtney Vanduyn says
My deepest thoughts and prayers are with you, Miss Laura. I am SO sorry for your loss. I hope to see you soon at school and please know that we are all supporting you through this very difficult time. (((hugs))) for you, Connor and Jenna.
LEE & LOIS EVANS says
Dearest Laura, Connor, Jenna…and family, There are not enough words to express our sympathy and caring for your great loss. You remain in our prayers. “THE LOVE OF GOD HOW RICH HOW PURE…HOW MEASURELESS AND STRONG. IT SHALL FOREVERMORE ENDURE THE SAINTS AND ANGELS SONG”……..GOD’S LOVE IS THE STRONGEST FORCE THAT EXISTS. IT REACHES THE PIT OF YOUR DEEPEST SORROWS … AND WILL DRAW YOUR HEART TO THE MORNING STAR….JESUS CHRIST…..where all comfort exists.
“”” Laura..just a few words that came to my heart for you and family.”””
Michelle L. Melbourne says
I may not have survived high school nearly as well as I did if it weren’t for this man. When he worked for KBOZ in Bozeman, I would call late at night and he would talk to me until I was so tired that I fell asleep. He was my sounding board and I was able to hear good advice from a voice that became like a brother to me. We only met face to face one time before life carried us in different directions, but knowing him had such impact on my life that I eventually named my son Jacob in his honor. I’ve never heard from or seen Jake again, and it was Divine Intervention that I found this Obituary.. But I wanted you all to know that 22 years ago, Jake helped a young girl reroute her life. Ill forever remember him.
Jessika Kynett says
Starbuck, what do you hear?
Nothing but the rain.
Tonight my dear friend, I weep for you once more. You are sorely missed.
Danielle says
I knew Jacob since he moved here in the third grade, I believe. We fought like cats and dogs through grade school, junior high and high school and LOVED it! I miss him.