Jeff was born in Baltimore, MD, on June 18, 1938, to Jefferson James III and Margaret Louise (Burch) Walsh. He attended Loyola Catholic High School in nearby Towson, MD, and went on to graduate from the Coast Guard Academy in 1960. He served our country as a Lieutenant with the United States Coast Guard during the Vietnam War.
He enjoyed retirements from two different careers; he was a supervisor with Pacific Power for eighteen years, and worked in engine rooms for the State of Alaska Marine Highway System ferries for ten years.
Jeff married his love, Val Hunter, in 1991 at Lake Tahoe, NV, and was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 2001. He was an avid football fan. Jeff especially loved the Seahawks, watching various teams on television, and going to high school and college football games. He was an excellent cribbage player; in their 32 year relationship Val only won twice! He was an avid reader who had a large collection of books on World War II history.
Jeff is preceded in death by his parents; and an 18 year old grandson, Jarrett Simmons, of Wyoming.
He is survived by his loving wife, Val; children, Theresa (Del) Simmons, Jennifer (Rod) Winter, and Tom Walsh; brother, Michael (Carolyne) Walsh; sisters, Margie (John) Walsh and Sheila Walsh; nine grandchildren; and 2 ½ great grandchildren (one is on its way!); numerous nieces and nephews; and a number of children that adopted him as their ‘grandpa.’
A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, January 12, at the Chehalis Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2195 Jackson Highway, Chehalis. A reception will follow the service in the church hall.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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