August 31, 202, 26, – Jake Ryan Straughan, born on April 1, 2000, in Savannah, Georgia, lived 26 years that were full of adventure, achievement, laughter, service, and meaningful connections. Though his life was unexpectedly shortened, the impact he made on the people around him and the legacy he leaves behind will continue for generations.
From his earliest years, Jake embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. He was always involved in something, whether playing T-ball, football, or soccer; participating in marching band, jazz band, or theater; enjoying scouting; or serving as a lifeguard at the Grantham Community Pool. His journey in Scouting began as a Webelos Scout and culminated in his earning the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout with BSA Troop 14, an accomplishment that reflected his dedication, leadership, and perseverance.
Jake cherished spending time with his family and making memories together, whether it was enjoying adventures at the beach or in the mountains, zip-lining and white-water rafting, floating lazily down a stream, or simply relaxing around a campfire sharing stories and laughter. He loved learning new card games and playing board games with his family until the wee hours of the morning, never wanting the fun—or the time together—to end.
Jake attended North East Elementary, Norwayne Middle School, and Charles B. Aycock High School, graduating in 2018. He continued his education at East Carolina University, where he earned a degree in History in 2024. At the time of his passing, he was in his final year at the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law, pursuing a future in which he hoped to serve others through the legal profession.
During his two years at the University of South Dakota, Jake embraced every opportunity to learn, lead, and make a difference. He coached the Intramural Volleyball team, where he was even known to serve orange peels, and volunteered with Richard D. Hurd Easter River Legal Services. Through the Veterans Practicum, he assisted with drafting wills and providing free legal services to veterans. He also participated in WORKS, or Working Out Resolutions for Kids, and founded and served as president of the “Kavanaugh Club.” Jake was a member of the Chess Club and enjoyed trivia, tennis, and golf.
His kindness and positive influence were recognized when he received the “Kind Like Karlee” Award in the fall of 2025. This special honor was presented to a University of South Dakota student who demonstrated exceptional kindness, school spirit, a commitment to lifting others, and a positive impact on the community—qualities that reflected Jake’s character and the way he lived his life.
Jake was many things to many people. He was academically gifted, driven, charismatic, and, at times, wonderfully private. He could light up a room and was often the life of the party. He loved a good shenanigan, enjoyed making people laugh, and had a gift for living in the moment. Wherever life took him, Jake built friendships, created memories, and left an impression. He was a young man with a bright future, a generous spirit, and so much more life still ahead of him.
Jake’s life came to an unexpected end following an accident. During the difficult days that followed, his family held onto hope and prayer while surrounded by the love and support of others. Although the outcome was not what anyone had hoped for, Jake’s story did not end there.
Through the generosity of organ donation, Jake gave the gift of life to others. His heart, lungs, kidneys, pancreas, and liver were donated to recipients in need, and his gift of sight helped someone who had been unable to see. His family is grateful that, even in the midst of unimaginable loss, Jake’s life continues to bring hope, healing, and new beginnings to others.
This legacy is a reflection of the extraordinary life Jake lived. His story continues in the lives of those who received his gifts, in the people who knew and loved him, and in the countless memories he created throughout his 26 years.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home followed by a service to celebrate Jake’s life at 4:00 p.m. in the chapel.
Jake is survived by his mother, Christy Green Straughan-Haley and husband, Dave Battisti; sister, Harley Marie Haley; bonus sister, Sawyer Battisti; maternal grandparents, Arthur and Cathy Bailey Green; paternal grandparents, Beth Summey Baucom and Louis E. Straughan and wife, Joyce; and his aunt and uncle, Carolyn Green and Richard Souder. He was preceded in death by his father, Edward “Ryan” Straughan.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in his memory to the Boy Scouts of America – Camp Tuscarora, to StageStruck or the Kavanaugh Club at the University of South Dakota.
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