Jeffery John Neigum, age 84, of Preston, Idaho, passed away on May 31, 2026, at McKay-Dee Hospital in Ogden, Utah, following a battle with Mesothelioma.

Jeff was born January 29, 1942, in Manila, Philippines, to Gotlieb Neigum and Alice Taylor. His birth was nothing short of miraculous. His mom was expecting Jeff when the Japanese invaded. Two men carried her in a rattan armchair to the nearby hospital, which was under curfew, its doors closed early. Fortunately, they let her in. Jeff was born at about 5:00 am. Jeff’s mom and her family were in hiding during the Japanese Occupation. After his birth, he and his mom returned to the small hiding house she and her family were in. Jeff’s dad, an American POW who escaped from the Japanese while on the Bataan Death March, joined a Philippine Guerrilla unit. His mother moved 6-month-old Jeff and his sisters closer to the Guerrilla camp. When Jeff’s mom was caught by the Japanese, her sister fled with the children to Tabaco, Albay, Philippines, where they hid until Liberation in 1945. He suffered from malnutrition, rashes, dental problems, and nightmares. Jeff and his two sisters came with their dad to the United States on January 2, 1945; Jeff’s mom, still in the POW camp, didn’t arrive until May 1945. Decades later, on December 28, 1964, Jeff officially received his Certificate of Citizenship at the Department of Justice in San Francisco, California.

Jeff attended Sacred Heart High in San Francisco, California, Sir Francis Drake High in San Anselmo, California, and El Rancho High in Pico Rivera, California. He attended Marin Junior College in Kentfield, California. He completed the rigorous U.S. Navy Second Class Diver course in San Diego, California.

Jeff dedicated 33 years of service to the United States Navy before retiring. As a Navy diver, he specialized in underwater welding and ship repair, and he continued working in the shipyards for several years after. Because of his service and experiences, the Wounded Warrior Project was always incredibly dear to his heart. After relocating to Idaho, Jeff worked as a cabinet installer for Chateau Mill.

Jeff loved watching football and passionately cheered for his favorite team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was a true outdoorsman who loved camping with friends, riding four-wheelers, fishing, hunting, and firearms. He also had a deep love for horses and dogs. When relaxing at home, he enjoyed watching TV or going out to eat at his two favorite restaurants, El Tapatio and Angie’s.

Jeff married Sondra Gailey on July 22, 2016, at Mack Park in Smithfield, Utah. They shared a truly amazing relationship; they were each other’s best friend and soulmate. They had a deep love, never sharing a single fight. After Jeff contracted COVID-19 and lost his strength, Sondra became his devoted caretaker, lovingly watching over him until his passing.

There will be a celebration of life with a luncheon included at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Red Rose Funeral Home in Preston, Idaho. The celebration will include an open mic for friends and family to share stories of Jeff.

Burial will follow at 11:30 am on Monday, June 15, 2026, at the Blackfoot Veterans Cemetery.

Jeff was a survivor, a patriot, and a deeply loved husband. He will be truly missed by all who knew him. To share a favorite memory of Jeff or to offer condolences to the family, please leave a tribute on this page.