Dell Joseph Jaha
June 17, 1934 to August 22, 2024
Dell J. Jaha went to be with his lord and savior on August 22, 2024, at home with his loving wife Peggy at his side. Dell was born June 17, 1934, to his Syrian and Lebanese parents Joseph and Wardie Jaha in Portland, Oregon and was one of 7 children.
When Dell’s mother passed away Dell lived in a Boy’s home in Portland, Oregon from age 2 until age 12. Then he lived on 82 nd Street in Portland until he enlisted in the Airforce where he served several years mostly in Portland and Germany. Dell also worked in the family owned and operated seafood business in Portland for several years.
Dell moved to Bellingham, Washington and in 1998 he met Peggy Melton. They were married on September 21, 2001. He has a daughter Tami Jaha and gained four children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They later moved to Portland, Oregon where they spent several years with his family. He especially loved his time with his brother Emile and wife Joanne and their children. He also loved to play cards with the “boys”. They then left Portland, to move to Boise, Idaho to live and run the Ha Penny Bridge Restaurant and Happy Fish Sushi and Martini Bar he called the “club”. He worked there and made many long-time friends and acquaintances. When the “clubs” sold he decided to retire at about age 83.
Dell was preceded in death by his parents, brothers George, Junior, Emile and sisters Rose, Amiline, Joan and two children Doug DuBois and Diana VanDiest who are loved and missed very much. He will be missed by his wife Peggy and his daughters Tami Jaha, Barbara Melton, Lissa Anderson, Carol DuBois and all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephew. He was very proud of his granddaughter Tranquility Melton graduating from BSU’s Nursing Program and helping to take care of him. He also would want to thank Laura Swedelius another granddaughter for also helping to care for him. He also adored and loved his neighbor who was like family and always there to help NP Dorothy Mosher. Thank you, Lissa Anderson, for all the care you gave to papa.
Dell was known for his love of Football and the Football pool, reading all the statics and figuring out who to bet for. He also loved his many dogs in his lifetime and had Lexy by his side in the end. He was a kind, and generous man with a witty sense of humor and had an open heart and listening ears for all those who needed advice. He left a mark on all our lives and hearts, and we will be broken forever but we will mend and grow with all our memories together until we meet again papa, we love you.