Robert Ellis jett

Robert Ellis Jett, age 71, of Woodland Park, Colorado, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, January 11, 2026, following a long illness. Bob was born on October 18, 1954, at Glockner Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Ellis Komer Jett and Agnes Marie (Mott) Jett.

Bob graduated from Coronado High School in 1972 and went on to attend the United States Navy Nuclear Power School, graduating in 1974. His love of learning and problem-solving continued throughout his life. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in 1984 and later completed a Master of Science degree in Applied Statistics with an emphasis in Operations Research from the University of Northern Colorado in 1993.

Bob joined the Navy largely for the opportunity to travel, a passion that would define much of his life. He served in the Navy's nuclear submarine force from 1973-1980. He later worked with the United States Space Command, where he collaborated with international partners to help build a robust military communications satellite system. He was deeply proud of the teamwork involved and the role it played in ensuring the safety of military personnel. Bob earned numerous recognitions during his career and retired in December of 2016.

On June 18, 1977 Bob married the love of his life, Teresa Lynn White, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Newport News, Virginia. They remained devoted partners for more than 48 years and raised four children together.

Bob lived life with enthusiasm and curiosity. He especially loved watching his grandchildren play youth sports and could often be found on the sidelines, beaming with pride. Bob enjoyed Corvettes, four-wheeling, motorcycles (both on- and off-road), road trips, good whiskey and beer, and always had a dog faithfully by his side. He was a devoted fan of the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer them on. Travel and shared experiences were, in Bob's view, a constant source of joy. He camped extensively across the United States with his family, and in retirement he was rarely in one place for more than a month at a time.

Known for his dry wit and sharp sense of humor, Bob had an uncanny ability to memorize funny movies and drop perfectly timed quotes into everyday conversation. He loved puns and delivered jokes with a straight face, often letting the room erupt while he quietly enjoyed the moment.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife, Teresa "Terry" Jett of Woodland Park; his children Courtney (Jett) Harrell and her husband Andrew, Jacob Jett and his wife Caitlin, Leslie (Jett) Foltz and her husband Brian, and Matthew Jett; and his grandchildren Dillon Harrell and his fiancée Masyn Wood, Emma Harrell, Connor Foltz, and Leela Jett. Bob is preceded in death by Matthew's wife, Kristy.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Little Chapel of the Hills in Divide, Colorado.