Travis "TJ" Jordan Denham
February 27, 2018
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Service Details
Travis “TJ” Jordan Denham went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 27, 2018, after a five-year battle with a brain injury. He was 21 years old.
TJ grew up mostly in Van Meter and West Des Moines, Iowa but for a short time lived in Naples, Florida. He was a graduate of Valley High School. He was the youngest of five siblings and had four older sisters. Before his injury he loved to play the drums, play paintball, and just hang out with his friends. He was a good student. He was very friendly, kind, responsible, and humble. He was always looking for a way to make people laugh. Even after he was unable to talk, he would still try to find a way to put a smile on someone’s face. He never let his brain injury stop him. He was determined and never gave up and fought very hard for his recovery. He communicated through foot taps, thumbs up, and finger spelling with sign language. He finished high school and had dreams of becoming a doctor. He loved his family very much, and we couldn’t have asked for a better son. Most importantly, TJ loved the Lord and knew Jesus as his Savior and is now spending eternity in heaven.
TJ is survived by his parents, Travis and Kelly Denham; sisters, Ashley (Matt) Beroth, Whitney (Ben) Misja, Courtney (Joe) Listenbee, and Chandler (Julian) Uwazie; grandparents, Fred and Bonnie Coop, Tom and Cindy Anderson, and Chuck and Connie Hauck; many aunts, uncles and cousins; and nephews and nieces, Dylan, Jackson, Tristan, Corinna, Audrey, Ethan, Adrian, Harper, Aiden, Peyton, and Kennedy.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at Valley Church, 4343 Fuller Road, West Des Moines, Iowa. Visitation will be held Friday, March 2, 2018, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa. Burial will follow the funeral service at Glendale in Des Moines.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Ronald McDonald House, 850 2nd Street SW, Rochester, MN 55902. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Elaine Merical
03/02/2018
So grateful for the love and care that surrounded and supported TJ!! Grateful, too, for his strength and spirit as he dealt with challenges no parent could imagine for their child. My prayers today are prayers for peace for all who love him and lasting memories of the love he offered us all.
Mary Gutierrez
03/02/2018
My sincere condolences to the family. May GOD's word comfort you. Isaiah 26:19; Psalms 37:11,29.
Beverly McKight
03/01/2018
I just learned of TJs passing. My heart goes out to the family. I liked TJ and Im glad that I was able to care for him during his rehab at OWL. He is now with the Lord. He is whole and well. Talking, running, laughing, and being free. God bless.
Beverly McKnight
03/02/2018
I misspelled my last name on my recent condolence to the family. Slip of the finger. Sorry.
Becky Parker
03/01/2018
I am so sorry for your familys loss. Praying that God gives you the strength you need through this difficult time. I will be keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers!
The Bonz Family
03/01/2018
Thoughts and prayers to the Denham family. Even though we didn't know TJ personally, we know he was a big part of the family. Hoping you can find peace in knowing he is at peace too. ~ The Bonz Family
Stephanie Watson
03/01/2018
I just wanted to tell you I am sorry for your loss. I only met TJ briefly when I substituted for one of his teachers at Valley. You have written such a beautiful tribute to your son. I wish I could have met him before.
Elizabeth Jurenovich
02/28/2018
The photo that accompanies TJs obituary so beautifully depicts the son, brotber, grandson and nephew you all love so! And for those of us who were not so fortunate to know him, it is a reminder of how vital it is to treasure every moment with our loved ones, for life is short and health is unpredictible. TJs time on earth was far too brief, but what a lasting impact he surely made on all around him... Wishing his family the peace that passes understanding, and comfort in knowing he, too is at peace now. God bless you all!
Beth Wargo
02/28/2018
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. We met TJ and family at OWL, we traveled the TBI journey together. Kelly and I had great talks and she was so supportive, We will always remember TJ's smile and the sound of his laugh. Thanks for sharing him with us. Hugs to you all. Beth and Neal
Randy Ripperger
02/28/2018
Dear Denham family, I am so sorry for your loss. I was one of TJ's teachers at Valley High School and enjoyed working with him very much; a great young man. I do not remember a lot of my students, especially by name, but I very distinctly remember TJ. I don't think I will forget our conversation at school shortly before he went to have his surgery. I could tell he was a little nervous about it, but I remember telling him how good doctors and medicine was now and that everything would be alright. Unfortunately, we were all wrong, but as you know that didn't stop TJ from staying positive and moving on. That was the young man I will remember. Again, my condolences.
Randy Ripperger