On the afternoon of October 7th 2014, John Jerry Bukoskey passed away in Reno Nevada unexpectedly after suffering a stroke. He died peacefully with family by his side. John was 72.

John was born October 18th, 1942 in Seattle, WA. He grew up in Greenville, CA where his mom raised him and his three siblings before moving back to the Seattle area where he spent the majority of his adult life.

He devoted many years to volunteer firefighting before being promoted to Fire Chief in Black Diamond, WA. He went on to serve as Chief for many years. John served as a union representative for the International Longshoremen's and Warehouseman's Union for the State of Alaska.

He moved to Smith Valley 15 years ago with his wife Sue. He absolutely loved Smith Valley. John could do everything. He could stand at a board meeting and give a speech or plumb your house. He was such a talented, well-rounded and hard-working man. He was very passionate about the fire service and employee rights and benefits. John was passionate about everything he did, you never questioned where John stood on a particular subject. What you see was what you got.

John loved farming, building, fixing things, poker and watching the Seahawks with his wife. He will be greatly missed by his wife Sue, daughters Leeann Bickler & husband Monte, Lynn Belcourt, and Christy Fend & husband Matt, stepdaughter Chanda Mariotti- Berger & husband Micah and stepson Shannon Mariotti and wife Angie. He has 14 grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

At John's request there will be no service. There will be a family gathering to share special memories at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to

Smith Valley Baptist Church
PO Box 254
888 Hudson Way, Smith, NV 89430