Jason “J-Bird” Hunsucker
February 28, 1975 – November 4, 2024

Jason “J-Bird” Hunsucker, 49, a devoted family man and cherished member of the Yurok community, passed away on November 4, 2024, in Notchko on the Yurok Reservation.

Born in Crescent City to Gael Stallings and Bruce Hunsucker, Jason lived his entire life on his ancestral homelands in Wautec. Known for his kindness and generosity, Jason was a beloved presence among family and friends. He was the heart of family gatherings, bringing everyone together with his laughter, his big spirit, and his love for a good time.

Jason found joy and peace in the great outdoors. An avid hunter and dirt bike racer, he loved camping and riding motorcycles. He was always ready to give to others, from deer and elk to fish, ensuring his family and community were well cared for. Jason loved being Peech-o-wos. He went above and beyond for his grandchildren and made sure to create as many memories with them as he could. He cherished every moment spent with his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, creating lasting memories playing with them as babies and celebrating their lives as they grew.

Working with the Yurok Tribe, Jason took great pride in his role, thriving in his work and strengthening his deep connection to the community he loved. He was happiest by the river, swimming in its cool waters and reveling in the beauty of the land.

Jason is preceded in death by his paternal great-grandparents, Frances and Stokes Jaynes; paternal grandparents, Patricia (Frye) and Bruce Hunsucker; uncles, Jack George and Bob Hunsucker; and cousin, Fred Scott. On his maternal side, Jason is preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Marian and Urban Stallings, Rachel and Carl Oliver, and his maternal grandparents, Lawrence and Greta Stallings.

Jason is survived by his loving mother, Gael Stallings, and his father, Bruce Hunsucker. He leaves behind his cherished children, Julie Howerton (Darren), Louisa Hunsucker (Nicholas), and Tuekwe Hunsucker. He was a proud grandfather to Dani, Harlee, and Darren Howerton, and Mason Ferris.

He is also survived by his siblings: Benjamin Hunsucker, Antionette Hunsucker, Brandon Scott, Lewis Scott, Sonia Hunsucker, Klinton Hunsucker, Andrew Hunsucker, Andrea Hunsucker, Alyssa Hunsucker, and Peter Hunsucker, along with numerous extended family members and friends who will carry his spirit forward.

Jason’s warmth, humor, and unwavering devotion to his family and community touched the lives of many. His love and commitment to those he held dear will be remembered and cherished forever. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Jason’s Wake will be held on Monday evening, November 11, 2024, at the Tulley Creek Community Center, and funeral services will be on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 11 a.m at the Wautec Shaker Church. Eats will follow directly after. Family and friends are welcome to celebrate his life and share in the memories that made him so deeply loved.

“Jason’s love for life and family lives on in our hearts forever.”

Pall bears are Tuekwe Hunsucker, Ben Hunsucker, Brandon Scott, Lewis Scott, Andrew Hunsucker, Sonia Hunsucker, Pergish Carlson, Cawtep Sylvia, and Charlie “Cheese” McCovey.

Honorary pall bears are Tuekwe George, Nickwich Carlson, Bobby Hunsucker, Peter Hunsucker, Klinton Hunsucker Darren Howerton, Lorenzo Manuel, Nicholas Rabah, Mark Scott, Cooper Scott, Andrew Hunsucker Jr., Poy’-we-son Hunsucker, Bodhi Scott, Jade Scott, Woodsie Hunsucker, Kilagyah Hunsucker, Benjamin “Big Guy” Hunsucker, Bronson Lewis Jr., Louie Meyers, Anthony Carlson, Ralphie Logan, Buck Logan, Virgil “Boogsie” Green, Daryl Mabry, Daniel Whitehurst, Micheal Gabriel, Rick Sanderson Sr., Lloyd Owens Jr., Vito Cosce, Louie Cosce, Axel Erickson, and Willie Lamebear.