Jeffrey L. Pepper passed away on May 28, 2024 at Boone Hospital in Columbia, Missouri with “family” at his side after a valiant battle with complications of cancer.
His passing on Memorial Day as a proud and loyal veteran was symbolic and fitting. Jeff was born August 17, 1947 to Jefferson Benjamin (JB) Pepper and Patty Loraine Graves in St. Joseph, Missouri.
He attended Weston Missouri Schools, graduating there from high school. He participated in sports as well as helping with the farming, had many friends and was blessed to have many family members in and around the area as he grew up. He joined the US Army in August of 1969. (A great story he told was advice from a local who told him to “toughen” his feet before boot camp. Therefore he bought boots and wore them while delivering mail). He graduated from flight school and became a pilot flying “The Huey” helicopter in Vietnam. He flew many missions but in 1970 was severely injured. He retired August 12, 1971 He received: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Air Medals, Purple Heart and Bronze War Medal. Jeff attended Northwest Missouri State College, Maryville, MO 1965-67studied business administration, Missouri Western College, St. Joseph MO 1971-1972, again studying business administration.
He also studied Airline Operations Training, Inc. Flushing, NY 1972. 6 months comprehensive study of airline operations and dispatching. Although a Midwestern guy his work and studies placed him in various parts of the United States. Some of his work experience included St. Joseph Hospital Life Flight, Platte County Communications Center, and Air New England. He was very active in various organizations in these places, using his knowledge of flight for improvement, safety, and furthering helicopter emergency flight availability. He relocated to Columbia, MO in the early 1980’s for proximity to the Truman VA Hospital as his combat wounds continued to require care. Some of his interests include music, particularly jazz. He was a member of the DAV, VFW, American Legion, Army Aviation Association, Cousteau Society and VHPA.
He was predeceased by his parents, grandparents, various aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
He is survived by cousin’s; Carol Bisbee , Linda Graves, John Scott (Amanda) and children, Elizabeth Hula (Bruce) and children, Debbie Ronnebaum and Children, Glen Vanway, Roxie (Ray) Mengelkoch and Robert (Cindy) Vanway.
He will be missed by many friends in Weston, KC and Columbia as well as fellow VHPA members. A Graveside service is scheduled for June 7, 2024, 11am at the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Weston Missouri.
