Jake Nicholas Hartman

Jake Nicholas Hartman, just 42 years young, left us suddenly on February 5 in Roy, Utah. His departure came without warning, leaving a huge hole in so many hearts.

Born on December 5, 1983, in West Jordan, Utah, Jake put down deep roots in Roy and built a life that was all about real connection. He showed up wholeheartedly for the people he loved and every animal lucky enough to cross his path.

For the last ten years, his heart belonged to JR Draper, his spouse, partner, and true home. Together they created a beautiful, everyday kind of magic: quiet loyalty, shared laughter, dogs curled at their feet, and a love so steady that the simplest moments felt special just because they were in them side by side.

Animals were Jake’s soft spot and his strength. Daisy, who left us several years ago, stayed forever in his heart. She carried him through some of his hardest days, and he never stopped talking about the comfort she gave him. He was so proud of nearly 17 years of recovery from the addiction he overcame and the warm, full life he built with JR and their furry crew. Adonis, Tankerbell, and Stella lit him up. He shared their silly stories and photos with anyone who’d listen, his face glowing every time. And it wasn’t just his own pets. Jake opened his arms to any dog in need. Friends knew: if a pup needed a safe, loving “furever” home, Jake was the one to call.

Water brought Jake pure peace. Whether he was soaking up sunshine at Pineview or Causey Reservoir, out on the boat, swimming, or just sitting lakeside listening to the waves, those moments were his reset button. Laughter flowed easier there, and life’s little joys felt brighter.

He was the ultimate game-night king, a real card shark with a playful edge. Poker nights with friends were unforgettable. He played hard, kept things fair, teased just right, and left everyone with full hearts and stories they’ll tell for years.

Wherever Jake went, he turned people into family. At Focus Services, as Site Lead in senior management, he didn’t just work. He built real bonds that lasted way beyond the job. He spoke so proudly of the people there, and anyone who met him felt that warmth and loyalty right away.

Jake had his own unmistakable style: that legendary sock collection, outfits always on point, stepping out each day with quiet confidence. He looked as good as he felt inside, handsome, joyful, proud of who he was.

In his last four years, real estate became his passion. He loved helping people, especially first-time buyers or those who thought a home was out of reach, find their own safe, welcoming place. Guiding them to that sense of belonging filled him with real purpose.

Jake loved people with his whole self. He could walk into a room alone and leave with new friends wrapped around him. Every greeting came with open arms. He had this gift for making you feel truly seen, truly valued. His kindness ran deep and wide.

If you looked up “selfless,” you’d see Jake’s picture. He jumped in to help without a second thought, big or small. “I’ve got a guy,” he’d say with a grin, and he always did. He gave more than anyone asked, worked hard, and somehow made himself someone everyone could count on.

Jake is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Owen “Squirt” Madsen and Eleanor Madsen, and his paternal grandparents, Bernard “Bernie” Hartman and Rosie Hartman, as well as his step-father Gary Kuehnl.

He is survived and so deeply loved by: his spouse JR Draper; his parents Jill Kuehnl and Paul Hartman, and step-mother Debra Lynn Hartman; his brother Dustin Paul Hartman; his step-siblings Ryan Mark Mumford (Danielle), Gennifer Erin Salazar (Aaron), David Scott Mumford (Kara), and Benjamin Evan Mumford (Jordan); his nieces and nephews Kaylie, Shaylee, Kaia, Rebel, Leona, Jace, Hazen, Braxton, Sandy; and a wide circle of aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family.

Jake also leaves behind countless friends who became chosen family: childhood buddies, work friends, lifelong companions. They laughed with him, stood by him, and celebrated every bit of life together. Those bonds were everything to him.

A private family service will be held, with a live stream available on Friday, February 13, 2026, starting at 5:30 PM for anyone who’d like to join in spirit. Details will be shared soon on this page or family channels. A celebration of Jake’s life will follow on February 20, 2026. Details to come.

Flowers are welcome and so appreciated in his honor. If you’d like to give in a way that would touch Jake’s heart, please consider a donation to Mountain Mama Pyrs and Pups (paypal.me/mountainmamapyrs), a Utah-based rescue that helps abandoned and urgent dogs, especially big breeds, find loving homes, just like Jake always wanted.

Jake cherished these words, and they feel so right for him:

“What is success? To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate the beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Jake made the world softer, warmer, and full of love. We’ll carry him with us always.