Hollis Edward (Eddie)'s Obituary
Hollis Edward (Eddie) Jeffries, 68, passed away Tuesday, June 15, 2004 at Providence Marionwood in Issaquah, WA. He died due to complications of ParkinsonÂ's disease and a severe foot infection which spread throughout his body. Eddie is survived by his only daughter Linda Ann, husband Yukinori and brand new baby granddaughter Chelsea Inagawa of Issaquah, WA. Born on July 3, 1935 in Russellville, AL, Eddie will be missed by his three brothers, Jack, Bud and Bob Jeffries all of the Jacksonville, FL area. Known as Â"RedÂ" in his youth due to his flaming red hair, Eddie grew up in Jacksonville, FL. While still in school, he worked as a soda pop jerk in a drugstore, and in the nearby Naval Shipyard. He decided to enlist in the US Air Force upon graduation of high school, and served his country overseas in Japan, Vietnam and Korea, among many places. While working in Japan, he met his lovely late wife Suzanne (Suzy) Yoshiko of over 38 years. Eddie worked primarily in Personnel for the Air Force, going by the nickname, Â"Jeff.Â" He received Â"Top Honor GraduateÂ" accolades in his special 1965 class, and due to his organization and people management skills (and tons of overtime) Eddie received a number of Â"Outstanding ServiceÂ" awards and medals throughout his career. Having climbed as high as he could in his career path, Eddie retired as Chief Master Sergeant (E-9) after spending 22 years serving. After his retirement, Eddie, his wife and daughter decided to settle down in Lakewood, WA in 1977. Eddie worked on his BachelorÂ's Degree in many places throughout his military career, including taking several courses at the prestigious Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from University of Puget Sound, and continued there with MasterÂ's courses in Business Administration, just a few credits short of completing his MBA. After his Air Force career, Eddie embarked on new adventures working as a Project Manager for JA Jones Construction Company on the Hood Canal Pontoons Project in the Tacoma Tide Flats. He also worked for several years as a Paralegal for the US Army at Fort Lewis in Civil Service, until Reaganomics downsized the government and his job was cut. A movie buff, a voracious reader, a coin collector and an avid sports fan, Eddie was often seen wearing a Mariners baseball cap in his later years. His Baptist faith was very important to him, and he enjoyed attending, participating and singing at the Japanese Community Church of Tacoma where he was baptized. He especially loved the Japanese food potlucks that took place after the services.Eddie lost his wife unexpectedly just two years ago. The Japanese say that if the living spouse passes away within three years of the first death, the couple really loved each other. Despite some turbulent times, they really did love each other. Eddie was cremated on Wednesday, June 23, 2004 at Mountain View Funeral Home. His remains will be laid to rest next to his wifeÂ's at a graveside service with full Military Honors on Saturday, July 3, 2004 at 3:30pm at Mountain View Memorial Park. A reception is to follow at the Mountain View Celebration of Life Center
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