Jefferey “Jeff” Rich was born on September 28, 1948 to Elva Mae Pickering and John Robert Rich in El Centro, California. He spent his childhood in Inglewood, California, graduating from Inglewood High School in 1966.
Jeff was drafted to the United States Army at the age of 18, and placed into Company D 1st Battalion 16th Infantry.
In September of 1968, he was wounded in combat, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds to his abdomen. After spending a year in the hospital, Jeff was awarded the Army Commendation Medal and Purple Heart for his courageous initiative and bold determination under enemy fire, that significantly contributed to a reduction in casualties, and successful outcome of their mission.
Soon after his recovery, Jeff entered flight school, and became an Airline Pilot for Freight Cargo and Private Lear Jets, and ultimately joined the National Transportation Safety Board as an Investigator for the next 31 years, retiring as the Western Pacific Director in 2013.
Jeff and Jane Rich married in March of 2016. Jeff was quickly welcomed into a large extended family, including four children, two son-in-laws, and four grandsons. They moved to their ideal home in Star, Idaho in 2018, surrounded by a loving circle of friends.
Jeff and Jane spent several years traveling the United States in their motor home, and cruising to destinations such as Alaska, Caribbean, Canada, Mexico, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, and South America. They enjoyed making personal connections with fellow travelers and crew members onboard the ships they sailed on.
Jeff was an avid maritime history buff, and as a member of the Nautical Research Guild, he enjoyed his time researching and reading. In addition, his favorite pastime was building ship models, and being an active member of the Southwestern Idaho Ship Modeling Society.
For more than 50 years, Jeff has been a contributing member of the Disabled Americans Veterans association, helping to fulfill promises to the men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces.
Jeff will be lovingly remembered for his generous spirit and honor for family. He is survived by his wife, Jane Rich of Star, Idaho; his sister, Belinda Rich of Waxahachi, Texas; and his cousin, Sandra Earle of Arlington Texas.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans association at https://secure.dav.org
A funeral service will be held, 11:00 am, Monday, April 24, 2023 at Bowman Funeral Parlor, 10254 W. Carlton Bay Dr., Garden City, followed by a committal service at 1:00 pm at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, 10100 Horseshoe Bend Rd., Boise.
To watch the funeral service, please visit: https://vimeo.com/820591263?share=copy