Ulie Jeffers, 91

Ulie “Jeff” Hamilton Jeffers Jr. passed away September 10, 2013 with the love of his life by his side. He was born August 10, 1922 at Fort McPherson, Georgia. He was the son of US Army parents, Ulie Sr. & Ada (Dillard) Jeffers. Jeff attended schools in the Atlanta area, including Georgia Tech since his father, a chief warrant officer remained stationed at Fort McPherson until he left home to join the Army in July of 1941. Jeff was fascinated by aircraft and saw an opportunity to become a pilot with WWII approaching the US so he applied for and was accepted in the US Army Corps. He graduated from pilot training in October 1943 and was sent overseas in early 1944. He was assigned to the 8th Fighter Group, 88thFighter Squadron, 10th Air Force and stationed in Burma. He flew about half of his missions in P40’s and the rest in P47’s. He returned to the US in May 1945 and was assigned to several bases during the transition from war to peace. In 1953, he was assigned to Luke AFB near Phoenix, AZ. While there, he flew several different fighters training US and foreign pilots. After that he spent a year in Korea flying F86’s followed by a tour in Japan with the 8th TFW Tactical Air Command Headquarters. He also served a year in Vietnam beginning March 1968. While in Vietnam, he was involved with the Forward Air Control (FAC) portion of the war. He moved from Air Liaison Officer at Danang, III Corps, to Squadron Commander at Bun Tuy IV Corps to Direct Air Support Command at Bun Doa III Corps. Jeff was promoted to Colonel in Vietnam and returned to the US in 1969. He was assigned to Nellis AFB as Vic Commander of the 57th Fighter Weapons Wing flying F4’s. He retired two years later. During his career, he flew the following fighters: P40, P47, P51, P80, F84, F86, F100, F10, and F4. His awards include the Legion of Merit (2), Distinguished Flying Cross (2), Meritorious Service Medal, and 6 campaign medals from WW II thru Vietnam. He retired in 1971 with 30 years of service and moved to Phoenix, AZ. After retiring he earned degrees in Anthropology and Archeology from Northern Arizona University. Jeff loved to fish. He made numerous hiking trips into the Great Grand Canyon to fish. Locals called him the “Fisherman of the Grand Canyon”. Jeff was also an avid hunter.

Jeff married Colleen McKienzie in October of 1977. They moved to Coeur D Alene, Idaho in 1996. Jeff is survived by his wife Colleen and children, Tom Jeffers of Blackberry, VA, Barbara Formal of Reston, VA, Mark Jeffers of Boise, ID, 4 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held on October 21, 2013 at The Idaho VA Cemetery in Boise Idaho 10:00 am. Bell Tower Funeral Home is in care of arrangements. Please visit Jeff’s online Memorial at belltowerfuneralhome.com.