Scott David Jakanoski, age 56, passed away peacefully after a courageous fight with cancer. Scott was born May 22, 1964 to John and Nadine Jakanoski, at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow, MT, which was named after his great, great Aunt Frances Mahon.
From an early age, he was drawn to sports. They were a constant throughout his life, from Little League baseball; to pitching and catching for the Glasgow Reds; to a sharp outside shooter for the basketball team; to a fierce tackler on the State A Championship football team; and an impressive javelin thrower in track. He graduated from Glasgow High School as valedictorian of his 1982 class. He was featured in Who’s Who Among Americans High School Students along with many other academic and athletic achievements. He played the cornet, sang and he was the front man with a group of talented friends, performing 80’s rock at the Fair and other events in town.
Before he started his career in farming, he spent summers playing baseball or softball and helping his dad on the family wheat farm during harvest. This time was spent with his younger sister Lana in the grain truck, listening and singing to AM Canadian radio and hauling wheat with his brother Mark. He also spent many days at Fort Peck Lake with friends and sister Paula and her husband Andy Hicks. Scott went on to graduate from Montana State University in Bozeman with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and a Minor in Biology. He taught school as a substitute teacher in Billings, the Phoenix area, and Glasgow. Scott’s “chill” and humorous personality made him a beloved teacher, knowledgeable about almost everything. He loved all his students and even tutored nieces Leah and Bridget when needed.
To his many friends and athletes that he coached, he was known as “Jako”. He coached football briefly in Billings, and then in Glasgow alongside Pat Petrino and a lot of good coaches, too many to remember. He had a true passion for the game and loved all his players and was well respected by them. Game day you could hear him say “It’s a great day to play some football.” He and other diehard baseball fans worked hard to reenergize the Glasgow Reds baseball team. They worked to get uniforms and all the team needed to start up again. He loved coaching the team and the great players it produced. They are still going strong today thanks to their efforts.
It wasn’t always farming, football and working, he did like to have a little fun. He immensely enjoyed spending time and hunting with his brother Mark. He has some pretty impressive game mounts to be very proud of as well. He tried to get with his college buddies and have a mini reunion during a Bobcat game in Bozeman and talk about fun times they had and laugh a lot as often as he could. Anyone who knew Scott, knows he was a lifelong LA Rams and LA Dodgers fan and was beyond excited at the incredible Dodgers World Series win last fall.
Scott on his off time would meet up with his friends at Sam’s Supper Club. This is where he met Kim. His caring and love for his friends was one aspect Kim loved about him. You never could come between him and his friends or even want to try. But then Scott kindled a friendship with Kim that led to marriage. They had a beautiful backyard wedding September 2001. With the marriage he also took on the role of step-dad and grandfather. He was very proud to say “hey I have grandkids!” Scott was very proud of ALL of his stepdaughters, grandkids, and a new great-grandchild. He was proud of their accomplishments, no matter what it might be whether in sports or academics, he was one to brag. On Scott and Kim’s 10th wedding anniversary they took an Alaskan Cruise that he will never forget and had hoped to do it again. He also like going to Deadwood, South Dakota with Kim and her sister Pam and Chuck Erickson. They went every year until COVID hit.
Scott took completely over farming duties in 2011 and life came full circle. He continued to be heavily involved in baseball and umpiring, being there to ump countless games and tournaments while farming.
Scott’s love for his family and friends will carry us forward for a very long time. He will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his loving wife Kim, his loving mother Nadine Jakanoski, sister Paula Hicks (Andy), sister Lana Koch (Jamie), nieces Leah Miller (Nate), Bridget Sholley (Justin), Brynn Feldman, Savannah Feldman, Jana Nelson (Jordan), great-nephews Vaughn Miller, Tucker Sholley, Bo Sholley, great-nieces Tatumn Sholley and Tessa Miller. Stepdaughters Jennifer McGorman (Sheldon), Heather Hukill-Murch. Grandchildren Cole (Kristina), Tia, Javyn, Kymber-Lee, Xavier, Nora McGorman, Brecken Hukill-Murch, Carson Hukill-Murch, Chase Guttenberg, and great-grandson Asher David Guttenberg. And his beloved cat Reuben.
He is preceded in death by his father, John Jakanoski; sister, Cheryl (Jakanoski) Erickson; brother, Mark Jakanoski and stepdaughter, Stephanie Murch.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 17, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Bell Mortuary with Sheldon McGorman officiating. Burial will follow in the Highland Cemetery. Condolences may be left for the family at bellmortuaryglasgow.com.
Louise Twitchell says
Thinking about you all.
Clint Croy says
Coach Jako,
Simply the best, many talked the talk but coach just showed up and expected results. Nothing better than someone so pure that he coached you hard and expected the effort in return. I know his players loved him as did I. Blood, Sweat and Tears coach, you gave it your all!
Clint Croy says
Coach Jako,
Simply the best, many talked the talk but coach just showed up and expected results. Nothing better than someone so pure that he coached you hard and expected the effort in return. I know his players loved him as did I. Blood, Sweat and Tears coach…Mr Scotty if there ever was one.
Clint Croy says
Jako
Coach Jako,
Simply the best, many talked the talk but coach just showed up and expected results. Nothing better than someone so pure that he coached you hard and expected the effort in return. I know his players loved him as did I. Blood, Sweat and Tears coach…Mr. Scotty if one ever existed.
Beth Ann Johnson Wiedeman says
My prayers to Scott’s family, may your grief provide you with good and happy memories.
Larry E Tade says
Kim and family we were saddened and heart broken to hear of Scotts battle being over. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Larry and Bev Tade
Brenda Kirchgasler says
I was very saddened to hear of Scott’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to Kim and family.
Scott was a good person and will be missed.
God Bless,
Brenda Kirchgasler
sally durham says
prayers to the family
Mike Stuber says
Jako- Great teammate on so many teams and yet even better friend. You were taken way to early and leave a big gap for many. Your big laugh, great jokes, and sharp memory of all our numerous baseball games in Eastern MT, ND, Canada and Bozemen will be severely missed. Whenever I was pitching and you were catching I knew I was in great hands with you wisely calling the game and stopping every pitch. Your love of all sports and skills and abilities in all of them was incredible. Mr. Everything- Mr. Scotty- Mr. Reds- Mr. Glasgow Golden Gloves and Mr Bozeman Gold. Rest in Peace Scotty and prayers to Kim, Nadine, Lana and whole Jakanoski Family.
Wanda Dale says
So sorry for your loss
Jeanne Liebelt says
So very, very sorry to read about Scott’s passing. It was a long fought battle, the battle is over. Rest in peace Scott. You are now free and with your God, Cheryl and Dad. Condolences to Kim and the rest of the Jakanoski family.
Keith Fuhrman says
Kim, Lana, Nadine and family – you are in our prayers. While we drift apart in life there are still those that one thinks about often as they had a huge impact and that was Scotty for me. I will regret not making more of an effort to spend time with Jako as we got older. But I will always have many, many great memories of the times we did have. Whether it be playing sports together, coaching baseball together, or just hanging out together in high school, college, or after, Scott will always be central in many of my best memories. And because he was who he was, I know a multitude of people can say the same. If there is anything that Susan and I can do for you at this time please let me know.
Rick and Bea Stellflug says
Sorry for your loss! Prayer for comfort and peacefulness. May he rest in paradise!
Janis Akre Bittner says
My heartfelt condolences. I was saddened to learn of Scott’s transition from his earthly journey. May you find some peace and comfort knowing he lives on in your hearts forever.
Stan Ozark says
Scott was truly one of the good guys. Umpiring with Jako was truly a pleasure and something I will remember forever. A true professional and a guy who always told it honestly and straight to your face. I always valued his judgement and a great guy to talk football with and of course the Dodgers. Gone too soon and my thoughts are with Kim and Scott’s family.
Gilbert Mogan says
Sorry for your loss Kim. Became good friends with Scott when working with him with his farming needs at the CHS fertilizer plant . Scott will be greatly missed. May he Rest In Peace.
Doug and Milly Eggebrecht says
Kim and Family
You are in our Thoughts and Prayers!!
🙏🏾🤗🙏🏾
Jean Braden says
Nadine, Paula, Lana and family,
Too much loss for this beautiful family. Holding you close in my heart, and feeling such sadness for you. Scott was an awesome guy. Although I did not know him well, his ability to spot me in a crowd and never let me slip away without a hearty hello always made me feel special. He is flying with some pretty incredible angels right now.
I love you all,
Jean
PS. I love his Obituary. It’s just beautiful and captured his essence with perfection. ❤️
Tanja Fransen says
I will always appreciate his patience as a baseball umpire! He was always cool and collected, even when some parents and players deserved to be put in their place. He always had encouraging words for players on both teams on the field. I was very grateful to see him join the Glasgow Reds Board a few years ago. My thoughts are with you Kim, and the rest of his family and friends. 💕
robert engstrom says
To the whole family: I will not dwell on the loss I feel because it isn’t describable. I just feel for the loss that his dear family and close friends have experienced. I got to know Scott through my best friend Mark, his brother. I also got to know the rest of his more than exceptional family over time. Kim, I just want you to know that my prayers are with you and I want you to go on strong in his memory because he wouldn’t have it any other way! What an exceptional man taken way too soon. Loving and empathizing with the Scott family always!
Kyle Bilger says
Amazing man, amazing coach, you’ll be truly miss!
“Blood, Sweat, and tears!’
Joni Carr says
Our deepest sympathy to Scott’s family and friends. We are grateful we got to meet and know Scott. He was a hard worker, loved sports and provided for his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. RiP Scott!
Jim and Joni Carr
Char Arneson says
Thinking of you all and continuing prayers for Kim, Nadine and families. You were all part of the force that kept his courageous momentum. As he rests in peace, I pray for your comfort.
Marisa Brockmier says
Dear Kim, Nadine and families,
I am so sorry for your loss.
May Scott rest in peace.
Heidi Kozar Hartz says
My sincere condolences to your family, such a beautiful obituary, may he Rest In Peace and you be comforted by his memories.