After serving Bulloch County as coroner for over 23 years Jake Futch announced today that he is stepping down from this position effective May 1, 2023. Coroner Futch has been in the funeral industry for over 40 years beginning this career in 1982 at the age of 16 working part time at Smith Tillman Funeral home. Coroner Futch's dad worked at Smith Tillman part time while he was attended college and encouraged Jake to join Smith Tillman. In fact, Coroner Futch is named for Jake Smith the owner of Smith Tillman. He is a lifelong resident of Bulloch County.
Coroner Futch resigned as managing director of Deal's Funeral Directors in December of 2022. He has also resigned from his position on the Georgia Board of Funeral Service. Coroner Futch was appointed to a six year term in this posltion in January of 2021 by Governor Brian Kemp.
He is a 1989 graduate of Gupton Jones College of Mortuary Science. He is also a graduate of the Savannah River Police Academy and is POST certified. In addition, Futch is a licensed real estate agent and a licensed insurance agent.
Coroner Futch is a member and past president of the Georgia Coroners Association. Becoming an ordained minister in 2010, Futch is devoted to the Lord. He has built a career not only on trust but also by being dedicated and loyal to the families he serves.
"I made a pledge that as long as I could to the best of my ability minister to families through this position in their greatest time of need I would continue," said Coroner Jake Futch. "After four decades of seeing death, often in tragic ways, I am at a place in my life that I feel it is time to step away. Serving as Coroner and being there for my family, friends and even strangers dealing with the devastation of death has been the greatest honor of my life. I am grateful the citizens of Bulloch County have given me their confidence and trust to serve as Coroner."
As an ordained minister, he has always seen this role as a ministry to the families he served. The physical and emotional toll with the demands of this job do not cease. It is a 24/7 job that really takes a phenomenal commitment.
Next frontier
When he was in junior high, Futch dreamed of driving a truck. It was all he talked about and really all he ever wanted to do. He is at a point in his life that he has decided to chase his childhood dream. He has accepted a position with Knight Transportation Company based in Arizona as an over-the-road driver. He is looking forward to the solitude offered by driving.
Last year he purchased with his wife Kim Backwoods Armory in Brooklet. Kim will continue to operate the store with the help of their sons Hayden and Luke.
They have four children, Hunter, Lindsay, Hayden, and Luke.
Coverage of the Coroners Office
The Coroner is an elected position which is funded through the Bulloch County Commission. Futch notified the Commissioners and other department heads of his decision to resign by email on Saturday. His current term ends on December 31, 2024.
Probate Judge Lorna Deloach has the responsibility to appointment an interim Coroner to fill out the rest of Futch's term.
Currently there are three Deputy Coroner's serving under Futch. They include:
- Richard Pylant who is in the funeral services and transportation business
- Craig Tremble a funeral director who owns Craig R. Tremble Funeral home
- Chuck Francis who is a travel nurse
Futch said both Tremble and Francis have indicated interested in running for the position.
Job well done
Futch and his family have always been very close with my wife's family. His dad Rufus Futch and my wife's dad Rick Hutchison taught together in the vocational education department at SHS. Jake has always been remarkably hard working and tremendously dedicated to his roles in the funeral industry.
From a Grice Connect perspective, we could not ask for a better partner. He is extremely responsive at all hours of the day and helpful in ensuring we report accurately in times of tragedy. We value his support and friendship through the years and wish him the best in this next chapter of his life.