Jeremy Douglas "J.D." Steckman

Jeremy "JD" Steckman, age 21, entered into rest on March 14, 2016 at home after a long fight with Muscular Dystrophy. He was born to Daniel and Mitzi Steckman on April 8th, 1994 in Wray, Colorado.
At birth, JD had some immediate health issues. He spent the first week of his life at Rose Medical Center in Denver. For more than a year, he was in and out of doctor's offices and hospitals. JD was 18 months old when he was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. With a diagnosis and the help and guidance of The Muscular Dystrophy Association and Children's Hospital, the family knew what to expect.
JD had to fight everyday. He tried to never let his disability slow him down. At the age of five, he got to the point where he was unable to walk very far. JD found mobility in a wagon in which teachers and friends would pull him around. As the disease progressed, JD went on to use a powered wheelchair. This gave him more freedom and allowed him to keep up with his classmates in school. In 2010, JD needed a ventilator to breathe after a three month stay in the hospital. The severity of his health prevented him from continuing his education publicly, and so he read and studied at home.
JD was a mild mannered little boy and he had a smile and a zest for life that was contagious to everyone he met. At a young age, he loved to play video games, legos and radio controlled cars, boats and planes. JD loved to try different kinds of food. He would watch the cooking shows on TV like “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.“ He liked to try the recipes and go to the featured restaurants when he was near one.
JD was a very sharp individual. He had a passion for science and astronomy and loved to debate the facts. He was also a huge military and history buff. Whether it was a tank, a machine gun, or an aircraft he could probably tell you about it in detail. JD could watch a 30 minute show about something and take a 30 minutes to tell you about it. They probably learned more from his details than from watching the show.
JD was not only active in 4-H but was recognized by the MDA as the Northeast Colorado Ambassador and attended many Lock-Ins, Muscle Walks, and Fill The Boot fundraisers with firefighters, locally and from around the state. JD also received many diverse awards throughout the years. He received the Keenan Ranch Medal of Excellence and the Determination Award from The Muscle Team through MDA.
JD always looked forward to attending MDA summer camp. There, he met extraordinary friends with similar diseases and did extraordinary things that many take for granted. He was able do things like the zip-line, rock climbing, and fishing. His favorite camping trip was rightly named "JD's fishing trip." The extended family spent several days in the Colorado high country riding the trails on ATVs and fishing.
He loved traveling and seeing new places. One of his most memorable adventures included a trip to Disney World granted through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. In addition, JD went to many air shows. He especially loved seeing the Blue Angels.
JD was able to travel to Washington to see his brother, Charlie, come in on the aircraft carrier, USS Abraham Lincoln. The family was able to watch the ship dock. The highlight for JD was receiving a tour of the ship from Charlie and getting the view from the bridge in the captain's chair.
Another one of his favorite trips was when he toured South Dakota with the Wild Frogs motorcycle gang, who dubbed him with the nickname "Jeep Dawg." For JD's 17th birthday, he got to have his own Monster Garage experience. Family and friends pitched in to rebuild and customize an old willy’s military Jeep to meet his needs. Appropriately named “Major Willy.” He liked to ride and show off “Major Willy’s” military green paint. Whether, it was at a car show, a parade, or a mud bog. Inspired by his new nickname, Jeep Dawg Racing was born and mud bogging became JD’s newest passion. He was happy seeing it tall and proud carrying the American flag or getting down and dirty in the mud with the engine screaming.
JD had many friends in his life, but his dogs were his world. His love for dogs started with his first dog, Jack. They were inseparable buddies from the beginning. After Jack’s untimely passing, their deep bond led to another solid friendship with a new dog, Foxy. She was his constant companion since the day she was born. He always bragged that Foxy was the most beautiful dog in the world.
JD is survived by his parents Dan and Mitzi Steckman; his sisters Autumn (Anthony) Conde, Elyse (Brandon) Steckman Purdy all of Wray; his brother Charlie (Erin) Steckman of Pueblo, CO; his nieces Hallee, Sierra and Shyanne Conde , Emma Sexton, Marley Purdy; his nephews Josh Steckman and Deagan Purdy all of Wray. His grandparents Charles Bollacker, Otto & Joy Steckman; his uncle Rodney (Brenda) Steckman; and his aunts Vallee (Joe Vohs) Newton, Kelly (Marvin) Kissick all of Pueblo, CO. He also leaves behind many loving cousins and extended family.
He was preceded in death by grandmother Patty Bollacker; his great grandparents: Dan & Evalyn Steckman, Howard & Faith Popp, Charles & Bessie Reyher, and Floyd & Maggie Bollacker.

Celebration of life service were held at the Wray United Methodist Church on Friday March 18th with Reverend Merlene Barner officiating.
The JD Steckman Memorial Fund has been set up at First Pioneer National Bank in 145 W. 4th Street Wray, Colorado.
Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.