Jeremy John Stanton

After a courageous 36 year fight with cancer, passed into Jesus' arms on December 21, 2016. He was surrounded by family and friends who sang psalms and Christmas songs to him as his lion's heart slowly stilled. Jeremy was happily welcomed into the world on June 30, 1980 in Tonasket, WA by his parents, Deanne and Tom Stanton. It was the beginning of an extraordinary journey and life.

At 5 months Jeremy was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare form of eye cancer, which claimed one of his eyes. Over the next five years he was to endure many medical treatments in the hopes of saving his remaining eye. Unfortunately, at 5 years his remaining eye was removed in order to save his life. However, through Jesus' eyes Jeremy was able to become an incredible young man and an inspiration to his family and friends.

To give you an idea of Jeremy's character his father said he remembers one day when Jeremy was about 6 years old. A rambunctious Jeremy, now blind, was like any normal 6 year old, full of energy! On this sunny day he came running out of the house full tilt and ran into the trunk of a nearby maple tree falling to the ground! Instead of crying as one would expect, Jeremy giggled, got up, and immediately ran with abandon in another direction. He was not about to let a maple tree ruin his fine day!

With the help of his dedicated teachers and specialists in the Nine Mile School District Jeremy graduated from Lakeside HS in 1999 and EWU in 2004 with a BA in Applied Psychology. He met the future love of his life, Jeanette Coote, in 1997. With Jesus' blessing they became one on June 16, 2012 and were happily married for over 4 1/2 years. They both loved to travel around the state and country exploring different cities and visiting family and friends. They did not let their disabilities get in the way of experiencing life to the fullest. Jeremy and Jeanette then began careers at The Inland NW Lighthouse for the Blind where Jeremy diligently worked until the time of his death.

Our wonderful Jeremy leaves behind his loving wife, Jeanette Stanton; parents, Deanne and Tom Stanton; brother, Jared (Gina) Stanton, sister Shelby Stanton, and sister Tessa (Tim) Bard; paternal grandparents, George Stanton and Pat Stanton; a wonderful mother-in-law, Janice Wendlandt; brother-in-law, Christopher (Patina) Coote; and numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Jeremy, through your life you inspired us all! In spite of your lifelong medical issues you continued to show us how to love Jesus, love one another, fight the good fight, and persevere under tremendous odds. Jeremy, you will live in our hearts and minds forever! God speed precious son and husband! We love you!

A celebration of Jeremy's life will be Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 11 am at Hazen and Jaeger Funeral Home, 1306 N. Monroe, Spokane, WA. Instead of flowers, please consider a donation to Lilac Services for the Blind or The Inland Northwest Lighthouse for the Blind.