Jeffry Warren Sleep

On February 3 of this year, a shadow fell on our small world when Jeff Sleep passed away from a cardiac event that was complicated by his battle with Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Jeffry Warren Sleep was born on December 19, 1960, the youngest of five children of Robert and Eddie Sleep. After his parent’s divorce, Jeff spent his early years in Spokane, Wash., returning to his hometown of Sandpoint to attend high school. Jeff was an industrious young man and was proud of the fact that he became a licensed private pilot before he got his driver’s license.

Immediately after high school, Jeff enlisted in the Marine Corps; his outstanding record in boot camp with the subsequent meritorious promotion to PFC allowed him to get orders to become a recruiter’s aide after his boot camp leave. As usual, he excelled in this position and was able to assist in the enlistment of several young men in the North Idaho area.

Jeff’s next duty station was Camp Pendleton, California, where he proudly served as an infantryman with the famed First Marine Division. During this enlistment he also served on Okinawa and in the Philip-pines. Upon his re-enlistment Jeff got orders to the prestigious Marine Detachment, Marine Barracks, Trident Sub Base at Bangor, Washington, where he served as a platoon sergeant until his military obligation was fulfilled.

After receiving his honorable discharge, Jeff returned to Spokane where he trained to be a professional long-haul truck driver. Jeff enjoyed the travel and often regaled his friends and family with stories from the road. Jeff was fortunate to be able to spend several years with his wife as a team driver.

After Jeff’s medical condition finally forced him into disability retirement, he focused his energy on helping raise his grandson Uriah, affectionately referred to as “Scooter” — who called him “Grumpy” — a name of which Jeff was most proud. Jeff was great with kids and they all called him Grumpy. He supported them by volunteering to teach physical education to Uriah’s class at school, donating to special school events, Veterans Day events, and making sure their Valentine’s parties were extra special. Jeff was also the den leader for Uriah’s Cub Scout Pack and was able to put some of his Marine Corps training to good use by organizing camping trips and teaching survival skills. Jeff always had a dog, or two, by his side, most recently Doogy and Brandy.

He belonged to an Australian Shepard group on Facebook and posted on social media often about his dogs and their antics. Jeff was an avid reader and knew something about everything. He could engage in a conversation with anyone about anything. He was a constant fount of information you may, or may not know you needed.

Jeff was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 6 of Spokane, the Marine Corps Association, and the Sandpoint Eagles Aerie 589.

He is survived by his wife, Deana; sons KJ (Kendra) and Mike (Lindsay); grandchildren Uriah, Sarayah, Starla, Emily, and Saylor; siblings Gordy (Jenny), Robynn, Brent (Tawnie), Bruce (Candace), Tammy, and Jere; several nieces and nephews and one great-granddaughter. Both of Jeff’s parents preceded him in death.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Pinecrest Cemetery, in Sandpoint, Idaho. Peggy Allen will officiate. A celebration of life will take place after the services at Sandpoint Eagles Aerie No. 589. Family and friends are invited to attend.

Family and friends are invited to sign Jeff’s online guest book at coffeltfuneral.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Coffelt Funeral Service of Sandpoint.