Jeffery Allen Leedom

PAUL–Jeffery A. Leedom, 59, of Paul, Idaho, died Friday February 27, 2015, at Cassia Regional Medical Center, from complications due to Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Jeff was born in Atlantic, Iowa, on December 21, 1955, to Donald and Dorothy Rudy Leedom. As a young boy Jeff’s family moved to Twin Falls, Idaho, where he attended school, graduating from Twin Falls High School in 1973. Soon after graduation Jeff went to work for Kaman Industrial Technologies. He worked there until January 2011, when he was diagnosed with IPF.

In 1974, Jeff married Lana Bates, and to this union his daughter, Tina, was born; they were later divorced. In 1977, Jeff married Carol Robinette, and became a father to another daughter, Tresa; they were later divorced. Jeff met his soul-mate and love of his life, Kimberlee Carder, in the fall of 1992. Jeff and Kim married on April 19, 1996. Jeff not only married Kim that day, but became a daddy all over again to Kim’s two young sons, Bjorn and William.

In 1996, Jeff and Kim opened the Java Hut, one of Burley’s first espresso shops. Many wonderful friendships were born over coffee before closing in 2001.

Before becoming ill, Jeff was very active in church, attending Burley Christian Center and First Christian Praise Chapel. One of his greatest memories was the mission trip to Mexico. Jeff, Kim, Bjorn, and Will were able to share that experience with the Schaeffer family. He was also a member of the Gideons International. Jeff had a huge heart for animals, always jumping to help his wife Kim in her volunteer efforts with dog rescues. One day, Kim came home from work to discover that he had set-up twelve kennels, with a total of 22 dogs, because they were going to be euthanized and he knew they needed to be saved. He was an amazing husband and father, always wanting to make memories together. He enjoyed spending time with his family; many summers were spent boating and camping at Murtaugh Lake and vacationing on the Oregon Coast. Jeff’s family was truly his greatest love and accomplishment.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Kim; daughters, Tina (Jonathan) and Tresa; sons, Bjorn (Ashley) and Will (Sierra); grandchildren, Deonna, Michael, Danielle, Marissa, Jeffery, Zane, and Ashlyn; his brothers, Jim, Jay, and Jerry; and his life-long friend Mark Martin. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, March 13, 2015, at the M4C Church, 720 J Street, Heyburn, Idaho, with Pastor Dave Sanchez officiating. The family requests that those attending wear something blue in support of IPF and to honor our fallen warrior. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Rasmussen Funeral Home of Burley.

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31