Joel “Jaker” Strickland

Joel “Jaker” Strickland, 69, of Odessa, Texas, passed away on September 12, 2026, in Monahans, Texas.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, September 18, 2026, at Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home, with Jonathan Hendrix officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home. Arrangements are made by Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home.

Jaker was born in Monahans, Texas, to Anna Strickland and Ben Strickland on October 16, 1956. He graduated from Monahans High School and worked as a salesman for 43 dedicated years with MRC Global.

Jaker was a diehard fan of the University of Alabama. It didn’t matter what sport it was—if Bama was playing, you could guarantee he was watching and yelling, “Roll Tide!” Jaker enjoyed listening to Texas country, throwing back a cold one, and taking trips to the casino to try his luck. But most of all, Jaker loved his kids. He dedicated his life to raising them and instilled in them the values of hard work and perseverance. He adored his grandchildren and especially enjoyed having extensive conversations with Tearney while coaching her in softball. Jaker had the memory of an elephant and often spent his time reminiscing with old friends, sharing memories and stories from years gone by.

Jaker was preceded in death by his mother, Anna Strickland; father, Ben Strickland; brother, Jody Strickland; lifetime friend, Leslie Strickland; and dogs Shivers, Tootsii, & Rebel.

Jaker is survived by his children, Jeremy Strickland, Courtney Grimley and husband, JD Grimley; grandchildren, Scarlet and Olivia Strickland and Tearney Grimley; step-grandchildren, Gage, Hana, and Dylan Grimley; and great-grandson, Sebastian Grimley.

Pallbearers will be Jeremy Strickland, JD Grimley, Dylan Grimley, Jimmy Johnson, Eddie Kaiser, Ray Winter, Jeff Couch, and Bill Couch.