Eric "Jake" Markle's Obituary
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Eric Soard Markle
"Jake" Eric Soard Markle resident of Tacoma, died on July 4th 2012, at the young age of 31.
Jake was born January 24, 1981 in Woodland California to Robyne Jeanine Bryan and Eric Lynn Soard I. Jake grew up in a small town in Northern California and went to high school in Florence, Oregon. Jake moved to Washington after High School.
Growing up, Jake lived with his mom and the only dad to him James R Markle Jr. (Jim). Jake was a loving, goofy and generous kid. Even though times may have been tough, Jake continued to persevere and rise above. Jake never let anything get the best of him.
After Jake's parents divorced, Jake continued to live with his dad and went to high school in Oregon. Jake afforded many opportunities living with his dad. They developed a very close relationship. His dad was one of his best friends. It was through his dad's dedication and loving support that Jake ran cross country, played
basketball and fell in love with baseball.
Following high school, Jake moved to Washington. Jake lived with his Aunt and Uncle Rick and Mary Veloni. Jake's relationship with his uncle paved the way for many of Jake's accomplishments as an adult. Jake, a devout Christian, met his wife Courtney through Point Defiance Church, where he attended with his aunt and uncle. Jake was introduced to longshoring by Rick. Jake as a longshoreman was proud to belong to the ILWU Local 23.
Jake was a family man. Those who knew him knew he was madly in love with his wife. She was his world. He wanted the best for her and worked hard to provide for her. Jake and Courtney had two beautiful children, Emily and Ryan. He passed down to them his silliness and fun loving nature. Jake truly loved being a husband and a father and took those roles seriously.
Jake worked hard and played even harder. He was an avid hunter, a league bowler, and an extraordinary softball player. He knew how to have a good time and was always in the limelight. He was Mr. Personality. It was his outgoing personality that made him loved by many. He impacted so many lives without realizing it.
Although Jake had overcome so much in his life, he never looked back and he never asked why. He took every bit of life in stride and lived his life to the fullest.
Jake is survived by his wife Courtney of 9 years, and their children Emily and Ryan; his father Jim and his wife Carolyn, along with his mother Robyne and her husband Mike. He also left behind his sisters, Jaymee and Lela. He was preceded in death by his brother AJ, Father Eric, Grandpa Markle and his Grandma Joyce. A memorial service will be held at 1pm on July 13th at Praise Covenant Church 3501 South Orchard Street Tacoma, WA 98466. There is a memorial fund set up for his family at the Longshore Federal Credit Union 253-272-2161.
Jake was a loyal, fun loving, active, adventurous, caring man and will be missed by many.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home.
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