Jeffrey White Leeper

Jeffrey White Leeper, Leeps as he was known in the F-15 community, died suddenly on May 3, 2025. He was born in Skokie, Illinois, to Charles and Betty Leeper just shy of 70 years ago on June 14, 1955. He is survived by his wife, Lauri, of thirty-five years. His children include Nick (Cindy), Ashley (Alex) and Ricky (Liz), all of whom made him immensely proud. His grandchildren brought him joy beyond belief: Jack (16), Tommy (14), Jules (16), Mae (6), and Garrick (2). Also included are his faithful sister Karen (Joe) and brother Jim (Eileen). Jeff graduated from the United States Air Force Academy, or the 'Boys School' as he always referred to it, in 1977. He began his 20-year flying career at Vance AFB and retired as the Commander of the Fighter Weapons School F-15C Division in July of 1997. As his retirement plaque attested, he "made the 'best' better." He loved instructing, mentoring, and leading and was gifted in each of these roles. After retirement, he flew for United Airlines until 9/11 when he decided "flying a bus in the sky" was just not for him. He went on to several different positions using his vast USAF knowledge, and expertise as well as his brotherhood connections for the greater good for companies including Raytheon, Kaman, and AOCE. Though he enjoyed his work and the challenges at each of these places, he most enjoyed the lives he touched and shaped in the Air Force. He valued beyond measure the lifelong friendships he forged. Most importantly, Jeff was an amazingly devoted and loving husband; a tremendous father; a proud grandfather; a wonderful son, brother, and uncle; and a loyal friend. Jeff exemplified the best aspects of each of these precious roles – he took them seriously and was, as ever, an expert. We were all the lucky recipients of his generosity, love, and never-wavering support, and for this we are most grateful. We marveled at his effortless quick wit, acerbic tongue, and dry humor which never ceased to lighten any heavy moment and always so pleasantly amazed and pleased his wife. What will we do with this hole in our hearts? We lost our one precious love too early. Some say seventy is old, but not to those he leaves behind. Our time together was much too short, but oh, were those years just the best! We will continue to make you proud, sweetheart. Thank you Jeff/Dad/Grandpa/Papa/Leeps. We honor you; we love you. We will miss you until we are reunited in God's safe and abiding arms. Of this, we are sure. Jeff's memorial service will be held at Bucktrout Funeral Home in Williamsburg, VA on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. This will be followed by a gathering at Revolution Golf and Grille. Please join us as we raise our glasses high and celebrate Jeff's amazing legacy. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jeffrey, please visit our floral store.