Jeffrey Hastings

1943 - 2025

Jeffrey Brent Hastings, age 82, of Driggs, Idaho, peacefully wrapped up his time on Earth on June 21, 2025, at his home, surrounded by the same family he coached, teased, and loved fiercely. Known as "Bucko" by his friends, he was a man of many titles: husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, Staff Sergeant, electrician, farmer, jokester, and the unofficial greeter of Driggs. If you knew him, you likely walked away with a good story-and possibly a $2 bill.

Born January 17, 1946, at Driggs Hospital to Cassie Hazel Peacock and Herman "Bud" Hastings, Jeff grew up on the family farm under the shadow of the Tetons. He spent his childhood learning the value of hard work and perfecting the art of sarcasm. A small-town legend, Jeff was a multi-sport athlete, a surprise member of the Glee Club (yes, he could carry a tune), and a standout football and basketball player. After high school, he chased education and girls at Ricks College and Utah State.

Jeff served proudly as a Staff Sergeant in the 116th National Guard during the Vietnam War, building bridges and radio towers and saving lives-including carrying a wounded young soldier to a medivac after a convoy explosion. His exit flight even had to turn back to Vietnam due to a malfunction, proving he was literally too stubborn to leave the place without a fight. Back home, Jeff spent 47 years at Fall River Electric, eventually rising into management, all while farming his family's land-though some would say he mostly specialized in rock-picking and supervising from the four-wheeler with his trusty grabber in hand. A specialization his grandkids are very familiar with participating in.

Married to the love of his life, Beverly Ann Hastings, for nearly 58 years. Early in their marriage, Jeff and Beverly opened a beloved local pizza joint called the Cedar Tree, which quickly became a lively hub for good food, great company, and unforgettable memories-well, except for that one visit from the Hell's Angels, which was a little too unforgettable. Jeff was a dedicated family man who showed up to every game, recital, and Sunday dinner with a dry joke and a full heart. He is survived by his daughter Alesha Jorgensen, his son Bryer (Tyneil) Hastings, five grandchildren-Tayte, Kuade, Kailey, Kaiden, and Gentri-and one great-grandchild Kuade Jr. His siblings Sandra (Don) Duke, Brad (Sharon) Hastings, Mitch Hastings, and many honorary family members including the Sewells and Arnolds will miss him deeply. He is preceded in death by his parents, Herman (Bud) Hastings and Cassie Peacock Hastings, brother Mitch Hastings, cousin Darrell Jensen, and grandson Kuade Jorgensen.

Jeff was many things: an excellent pinochle player (especially when partnered with his son), a skilled horse and snowmachine racer, and an enthusiastic participant in wild cow rides and family pig roasts. He ice-fished on Jackson Lake, water-skied in Palisades, and always carried a $100 bill-just in case. If you knew him, you probably heard him say, "Sure glad you got to see me," or offer the wise advice to his grandkids "Marry for money-love will come later."

Who says fun doesn't pay? Jeff sunk a hole in one at the two-day Chester chicken two-man best ball tournament in St. Anthony Idaho and won cash prize on the golf course! In his own way, and his kindness, loyalty, and tell-it-like-it-is honesty, he left an impact on everyone he met. He liked everybody and welcomed all the good ol' boys of the valley into his Wednesday shop "board meetings" to talk politics, farming, and life over an Oly beer and a few laughs. He was good to the bone, a man whose handshake meant something, and who never missed a family Christmas, a fishing trip to Henry's Lake, or a chance to dish out a good ribbing.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Tetonia LDS Church, with burial to follow at the Cache Clawson Cemetery. Viewings will be held Friday, June 27 from 5:30-7:30 PM and Saturday from 9:30-10:45 AM, both at the Tetonia LDS Church. In honor of Jeff, we suggest you crack a joke, tell a story, and keep a $2 bill tucked away-he always said it might be worth something someday.

Special thanks to Dr. Chad Horrocks for his care and compassion. Donations in Jeff's honor may be made to the American Legion Post 95, PO Box 382, Driggs, ID 83422, a cause close to his heart and service.

Jeff lived his life full-throttle, full-hearted, and full of wit. His absence leaves a hole in our valley and our hearts, but if you listen closely, you can still hear him whisper, "Sure glad you got to see me." And we were.