Heaven gained a fun and funny guy on Sunday, April 21, 2024, when Michael James Jurkovich, 42, transitioned peacefully from his life in Pullman to his next life.
He came into this world on Sept. 8, 1981, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston. Mike attended Lewis-Clark State College after graduating in 2000 from Highland High School in Craigmont. His strong work ethic was cultivated in his first job working as a “tunnel rat” in the pea harvest at Twin City Foods. One season as a “tunnel rat” motivated him to pursue and secure employment with Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, where he was a respected and well-regarded employee for almost 21 years.
Mike’s passion for music started early in life when his mom bought him an old, upright piano on which he pounded out Deep Purple’s “Smoke On The Water” and Elvis’ “Love Me Tender” on a daily basis, motivating his mom and stepdad to enroll him in piano lessons to increase his repertoire and save the family’s sanity. Mike amassed a large collection of vinyl records and (black) clothing from all the (generally obscure heavy metal) bands that he tended to listen to. He enjoyed traveling, usually for concerts, and attended countless shows over the years. While he was totally content at home with his collection of bizarre but highly curated tchotchkes, books, movies, artwork and memorabilia, he never turned down the opportunity for an adventure — and he had many. But what he loved most was just being around his friends and family; they would universally describe him as being the most kind-hearted, caring and indescribably funny person they had the good fortune to know.
Mike leaves behind his mother and stepfather, Martie and Sam Beck, of Winchester; his father and stepmother, Larry and Ruth Jurkovich, of Grangeville; brother Aaron Jurkovich and nephew Isaac Jurkovich, of Lewiston; stepbrothers Jason (Crystal) White, of Grangeville, Steven (Heather) Cobb, of Riverside, Calif., Jason (Sadie) Beck, of Winchester, and Aaron Beck, of Lewiston; His band of “non-bio” brothers, Bryan Dugdale, Preston Thomason, Dave Bolles and a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends that he loved dearly. He’ll be fondly remembered for his quick wit, generous heart and non-judgmental attitude toward others. He is deeply missed by us all.
Due to circumstances surrounding Mike’s passing, his family was unable to honor his wish to be a donor. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting contributions to his cousin Jade Ramey. Jade’s story may be found at gofundme.com “Jades Wellness Wish- Join Jade’s Fight for Sight”.
Mike’s life will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 11, at Ponderosa Point in Winchester Lake State Park, Winchester. Mike’s nephew, Isaac, is requesting that attendees wear black hoodies if possible. If you knew Mike, you knew his attire was always topped off with a black hoodie. Please bring your lawn chairs and funny stories to share. Lunch will be served. In the event of inclement weather, the celebration will be moved to the Winchester Community Center and signs will be posted.
No words exist that can describe our gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from River City Community Church, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Winchester Community Library, Mike’s “band of brothers” and our friends and family during this difficult time.
