JECZALA,
Ronald R.
"Jake"
(Age 87)

Ronald R. "Jake" Jeczala, age 87, died August 3, 2017 in Spokane, WA after a battle with cancer, where he was receiving Hospice services through the Veteran's Administration. He is survived by sons, David and Steve (Eileen) Jeczala; daughter Kathryn (Jeczala) Civarra; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Mitchell, Christopher Civarra, Leslie Mitchell, Tristan Jeczala, Spencer Jeczala, Jeffrey Mitchell and Steven Jeczala. He also leaves behind three great-grandchildren, Aiden Fontenot, Jaydan Jeczala, and Olive Jeczala. He was preceded in death by his wife Bebe (Grondin) Jeczala in 1982 and daughter, Linda Marie (Jeczala) Mitchell. Ronald entered the U.S. Air Force in 1948, and retired at Fairchild AFB Survival School in 1974. Ronald took great pride in his 26 years of service as a ParaRescue man, "PJ," in the U.S. Air Force. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he earned several medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster and other awards throughout his military service. Ronald was selfless in service as well as with family. He was the paternal rock of the family and was always caring for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing with his son, Steve, and with friends. He enjoyed Sunday afternoons with family grilling and watching the Seahawks, or watching his beloved Chicago Bears on television. He was thrilled that he was witness to the once-in-a-lifetime event, the Chicago Cubs World Series victory. He also had a passion for playing poker, and online, was a poker multi-millionaire. He had a life filled with family and friends from military service and the local community. He lived his life by the PJ Motto: "That Others May Live." He leaves a void that cannot be filled. Military Honors will be held Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at 11:15 a.m. at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery; 21702 W. Espanola Road in Medical Lake, and he will be laid to rest next to his wife and daughter in the family plot at Spokane Memorial Gardens. CHENEY FUNERAL CHAPEL in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook at cheneyfuneral.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Spokesman-Review on Aug. 6, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Ronald JECZALA

15 Entries

David

July 31, 2025

I sure do miss you.
I am frequently reminded of the depth of your influence shaping my being and ever grateful for this.
I miss you and love you, dad.

David

July 31, 2022

Well, it´s been 5 years since you went to rest with Mom. You left a hole that is not filled...and a set of pleasant memories that will never be forgotten. Sure do miss you, Dad. Love you.

David Jeczala

August 22, 2017

I'll miss you Dad. You were always the rock and a hero to all of us...you gave us a wonderful life...rest assured we will take care of one another. I love you.

Andy Martin

August 9, 2017

I served with Jake at Tachi in the 60's. Jake was NCOIC in charge of the Pararescue team at the 36th ARS. Jake was Jim Ward, Dan Glalde and my boss. A great guy with a great sense of humor. I will miss him. God speed Jake. You were an important influence on my life. Respected by all of us.

How you can show support

Follow

Get email updates whenever changes are made.

Send flowers

Consider sending flowers.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Plant trees

Honor them by planting trees in their memory.

Donate in Memory

Make a donation in memory of your loved one.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

Kathy

August 7, 2017

I took care of Jake and his family during his last week and was honored to do so. One of the nicest men with a great sense of humor and well loved by his children. Rest in peace.

Elizabeth Igartua

August 7, 2017

I'm so sorry. He was a great man. I will miss the phone calls during the ball games. He will always be in my heart with good memories. Liza

August 7, 2017

Steve, Eileen, Spencer, Steven you have deepest sympathy for your loss.
Love you all Grandpa and Gramma Rock

Kasey

August 7, 2017

"Grandpa" was definitely one of the special ones - always taking care of his family. Much love to you all.... You know he's hanging out with Linda now! <3

David White

August 7, 2017

Dave, Steve and family, you have my deepest sympathy for the passing of your father. Men like him, and many of our fathers from that generation, were very unique and special. We were all blessed to have their influence as part of our upbringing. I pray that each of you find comfort as you celebrate his life and mourn his passing. Blessings to all of you. Sincerely, Dave White

August 6, 2017

Our community lost a hero, that gave all to protect our freedom.
God Bless his family during this trying time.

John Aiken

August 6, 2017

My sympathy to the family in your time of loss.

Vicki Madnick

August 6, 2017

Such a awesome guy❤ fond memories of hanging out at the house with Linda , he was always so easy to be around. My dad is also a retired PJ, there isn't a more tight group , that's for sure!! I'm so saddened by your lossmy thoughts and prayers are with your family during this extremely tough time.

August 6, 2017

Oh Jake, you were a man that I knew I could trust. You took care of my Dad when he needed it, and your friendship meant so much to him and to me.
I will miss you my honored friend. Give my Mom and Son Logan a huge hug. You will have to teach him Poker.
Much respect and Love,
Lisa (Bahr) Thompson

Duke & Mary Earlscourt

August 6, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

August 6, 2017

I love you dad. You are my hero.

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results