Jacob Michael James Dirks

Jacob Michael James Dirks was born on November 21, 1986, in Casper, Wyoming, to Susan and Dennis Dirks. At a whopping 9 pounds 5 ounces, he entered the world with an energy and fire that should have told us he was destined to live boldly. Although we always knew he was on loan to us from his Father in Heaven, there was no way to prepare for this devastating loss. As he was set free from years of pain in this earthly life, Jake returned to Heaven on January 21, 2026, with his loving family by his side.

When Jake was two, his parents moved him back to Montana, where he was raised in Helena. He attended Four Georgians Elementary, C.R. Anderson Middle School, and graduated from Capital High School in 2005. After high school, Jake attended the University of Montana in Missoula, earning degrees in Marketing and Entertainment Management. During his college years, Jake—known fondly as DJ Dirks—loved entertaining friends through music and dance. His love of music, people, and energy filled every room he entered.

While at UM, Jake embarked on some of his bravest and most adventurous chapters, including internships at Disney World and later in Los Angeles with Paramount Pictures. We packed him up and off he went—chasing fun, friendship, and adventure. Jake embraced every new city and opportunity with excitement, humility, and courage. Adventure wasn’t just something he sought—it was how he lived.

Jake’s journey as a brother began with the birth of a baby sister, Whitney, when he was almost three. He took this role very seriously and was once found sharing his Cheerios with her when she was only weeks old. Always the caretaker, their bond was strong and filled with pure, unbreakable love—sharing memories only firstborns can have.

Two and a half years later, Jake’s big brother role grew again with the birth of his little brother, Joshua. Jake helped shape Josh into the wonderful man he is today through his example and love. If you can, ask Josh about the helmet/garage door incident—it was intended with love, we’re sure. Sports were their favorite thing, and they spent countless hours talking about teams and players, but it was more than sports. It was a bond only brothers can share.

Then surprise- another baby sister- Breeann Elizabeth. For her first few years, she was lovingly called Annie Beth, courtesy of her biggest brother. Bree and Jake shared a special relationship filled with music, laughter, and deep connection. Forever bonded as the first and the last to make our family whole.

Jake’s three siblings were by his side in the days leading up to his last breath, lovingly caring for him alongside Tiernay in home hospice. Also with him were his parents, mother-in-law Mary Catherine, brother-in-law Jacob and sister-in-law Shauna It was both beautiful and heartbreaking—the way a big, loving family should be, and exactly how Jake deserved. He was so proud of you all, and his love will be with you forever.

Kind, musical, loving, magnetic, intentional, smiling, funny, faithful, family man, friend to all—these are just some of the words that come to mind when we think of Jake. He loved his family, his friends, craft beer, tattoos, the Griz, the Broncos, sports of all kinds, and most of all, watching his babies grow.

Jake loved life. His magnetic personality drew people to him—young and old alike. He could talk to anyone and always made them feel seen and heard. His gift of making everyone feel welcome came so naturally to him. He was always smiling his beautiful smile and giving the biggest, best hugs. To know Jake was to love him.

Jake always loved big city life, even though he grew up in little Helena, Montana. That love eventually led him to Denver, Colorado, where he met his best friend, great love, and wife, Tiernay. Their relationship was rooted in deep friendship, laughter, music, and unwavering devotion.

Before their life together could officially begin as husband and wife, Jake was diagnosed with a brain tumor in June of 2014. They were forced to cancel the wedding they were so excited to share and instead gathered strength from those same loved ones to face two brain surgeries. A hand no young couple should ever be dealt—but together they persevered with courage, faith, and love.

After many prayers, radiation, chemotherapy, and unimaginable pain, Jake was declared in remission—and another beautiful adventure began.

The birth of their first daughter, Della, made Jake a daddy and marked his most cherished role. Sweet Della Bean was the light of his life. Jake adored watching her play soccer and was always her biggest fan—“Go D!” echoing from the sidelines. When asked to describe her dad, Della said simply: amazing.

Two years later, Jake and Tiernay celebrated their beautiful wedding in the backyard of her parents’ home, officiated by Tiernay’s grandfather, GG Bob, whom Jake adored. True to Jake Dirks style, it was filled with music, food, love, and laughter well into the night.

In 2016, Jake’s adventurous spirit took him to Africa with dear friends Sean and Dan through Cancer Climbers, where he summited Mount Kilimanjaro and went on safari. He was deeply honored to be chosen for the journey, and the friendships forged on that mountain remained strong for years to come.

Another blessing soon followed with the birth of his son, Cordy—Jake’s pride and joy. They spent countless hours playing sports, video games, and simply being father and son. Jake taught Cordy to be a gentleman, to believe in himself, and to give the same big, loving hugs his dad was known for. Love in its truest form.

In 2020, amid a crazy time for the world, Jake and Tiernay welcomed their third little love, Nellie Mae. Sassy, sweet, and full of personality, she filled their home with laughter and love. A daddy’s girl through and through. Her words for her dad: kind and sweet.

Jake and Tiernay built a beautiful family life filled with bike rides, sporting events, and unforgettable trips to Mexico, Florida (Disney World), Montana, Las Vegas, and beyond.

Jake formed meaningful friendships everywhere he went—you simply couldn’t help but be his friend. He shared a special bond with his brother-in-law Jacob, two souls connected by their love for Tiernay and genuine care for one another.

Mark Chambers—no explanation needed. You know. And to all the other “brothers” not named—we see you and we love you. Jake felt blessed by your friendship always.

After eight wonderful years in remission and countless adventures, cancer returned in 2022. Jake endured three more brain surgeries—in 2022, 2024, and May of 2025. Through it all, he remained strong, kind, and brave. “I’m good,” was always his answer when asked how he felt. His smile never faded, and his heart always worried more about others than himself. Tiernay stood faithfully by his side as his advocate, strength, and constant love.

Jake’s support team spanned far and wide. The love for him goes beyond words—a deep, meaningful gratitude and eternal hope for a life lived so well.

Jake didn’t leave us behind—he simply went ahead to prepare for the party waiting when we meet again.

Waiting for his big hug again are his wife Tiernay; children Della, Cordy, and Nellie Mae; parents Dennis and Susan Dirks; sister Whitney Knaff and Luke, Kye, Kase, and Kanin; brother Josh Dirks and Nicole, Thea, Elsie, and Otto; sister Bree Miller, Paul, Collins, Annistyn, and Beckett; mother- and father-in-law Mary Catherine and Dorsey Comeau; father-in-law Jerry Bookless and Renee; brother-in-law Jacob Shepherd; sister-in-law Shauna Corkery, Mike, Noah , and Mason; grandparents Jim and Linda Hinkle; Uncle Jim Hinkle and Aunt Julie; cousins Tyson and Madison and families; Aunt Lorinda Gruhlke and Uncle Kenny; cousins Michelle, Dan, and Joe and families; Aunt Deanna Broman; cousins Derek and Doug and families; GG Kay and Aunt Lid; and so many dear friends.

Jake was preceded in death by his grandparents Dewey and Leah Dirks, uncle Tod Broman, nephew Milo Miller, his great-grandparents and several great-uncles.

We aren’t saying goodbye, sweet Jake—just “see ya soon.” And always remember: Live like Jake.

Matthew 25:21

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”