Timothy James Lake III

Timothy James Lake III (TJ), 26, passed away at his home, January 20, 2016. TJ was born in Charleston, WV, May 24, 1989. He moved to Dallas, Texas in January 1991 and returned to WV in 1999. I am blessed and privileged to have had him in my life and to call him my son. The words to follow will not be an average obituary but a condensed version of his life and the friends and family who were part of his life. TJ was my first and only child, and the first 2 ½ years of his life he was a happy and healthy child. Unfortunately, on April 2, 1992, his life and the lives of those who loved him were forever altered when he was diagnosed with leukemia. The next 5 years were spent at Children’s Hospital of Dallas where TJ would undergo treatment that involved 2 relapses and eventually a stem cell transplant being his last hope. To the girl in New York City, TJ always talked about how your umbilical cord saved his life and he was forever grateful, and he wished that he could have met you and thanked you. It was clear from the beginning he was a fighter and the concept of giving up did not exist in his mind. Even through all of the treatments, hospitalizations, and surgeries TJ was determined to be like all the other kids his age and he attended Kindergarten through 4th grade at JC Austin elementary. He participated in Boy Scouts and also played soccer. He was the ambassador for the Leukemia Society at Children’s Hospital Of Dallas, in which he attended many events as their representative. He loved to watch Hockey and even got to spend time with Troy Aikman. He loved to go to movies and his love for video games started with a Nintendo and playing Donkey Kong with Jody Nichols. He touched many lives in his short time in Texas. Paula he still talked about how you lost his house that fateful day. Debbie, he said you were not quick enough with the Benadryl. Pam, he was very thankful you were driving that day to the hospital and not me. Jody, his love for you never wavered and he fought along with you in your recent cancer battle. He always watched for your updates and was so thrilled when you got a clear bill of health. He felt you two were kindred spirits because you fought similar battles. TJ returned to WV in 1999, where he attended Hurricane Hometown Elementary, Hurricane Middle School, and Hurricane High School. He graduated from Hurricane High School in 2007. He played the French horn and trumpet in the band during Middle School. In 2001 the effects of the chemotherapy and radiation started showing up and in 2003 TJ was flown to Pittsburgh because he was in congestive heart failure. The chemotherapy and radiation to cure the leukemia had damaged his heart. The doctors there told me to prepare for the worst, but just has he proved so many wrong in Texas, he proved the doctors in Pittsburgh wrong too. He had a long road to recovery but found his way back. In 2007, TJ was diagnosed with a brain tumor caused by the radiation he had during his leukemia treatment. He underwent the first of three brain surgeries in 2007. In 2009 he underwent his second brain surgery and in 2013 he underwent the third brain surgery and during this time he was also diagnosed with diabetes and kidney problems. The treatment to save his life as a child was now causing total chaos in his body. TJ worked briefly as his health allowed. He worked at Wendy’s, at Dr. Elaine Moore’s office, and his favorite job at GameStop. TJ loved his GameStop family and looked forward to seeing everyone there as much as he enjoyed playing the games. Candace, TJ loved you and was so very thankful for your friendship, and I thank you so much for the joy you brought to his life. Micah, TJ would want me to tell you how much he loved you and you were his best friend and helped him throughout all of his battles. To my parents, TJ loved you very much and was always grateful for all of the love and support you gave him. Pa Pa Frank, you know all of the special times you spent together and you have to know how much joy and happiness you brought him. To Me Ma, he was so much like you and he says be sure to read your refrigerator every day “Barney”. To Chris, he loved the times you all spent together and he says to keep being happy and doing the things you love. Francie, you were the only one who could get him to dress up and he says to tell you it is really not a nice day out. Greg, he loved coming up and gaming with you and watching those crazy movies and thank you for loving him and accepting him for whom his was. Caleb and Jarod, he loved you very much and he was very lucky to have such great cousins. He always enjoyed spending weekends and going out to eat. Luke, he says to keep saying “Wummy” and watching the GSN station. He would remind you that it is okay to be goofy and act silly, and to enjoy your life out in “Country Bumpkinville”. You were a solid and loving father and he was proud to call you Dad. James, he would want you to continue growing in your life and remember all the great times you had together. He would want you to remember him as your “happy and silly” brother. To Zada and Sam, you better not go to eat at the Chop House and thanks for all the great trips to Florida. To Faye and Jerry, remember he always got half of your winnings. To Ester, he loved all of your Christmas gifts….how did you know what he wanted….he thought you were a psychic. To Peggy, you still should not park in handicap spots. You did it too many years too soon. TJ was preceded in death by his grandfather James D. Lake and his Uncle Benjamin Joseph Lake. He is survived by his mother Jodi Luikart and Stepfather James W. Luikart Jr., grandparents Christena Lake, Frank Ballard, Mary L Ballard, Stepbrother James W. Luikart III, Aunt Francie Willis, Uncle Greg Willis, and Cousins Caleb and Jared Willis. In Lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Jude’s Children Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and Dallas. Private services will be held at a later date, Tyler Mountain Funeral Home, 5233 Rocky Fork Rd., Cross Lanes, WV 25313 is assisting the family.