Robert Ivan Jeffers

The family of Robert Ivan Jeffers (Bobby) is saddened to announce his passing on Saturday, July 26, 2025 after a train accident in Salem, Oregon.

Bobby was born to the late Robert and Thelma Jeffers and raised in the Salem, Oregon area until joining the United States Army in 1976. He was proud to serve his country! While in the military, he saw many countries. He often said Germany was his favorite. After his departure from the Army in 1986 he joined the Oregon National Guard until his retirement. He had many different talents.

He enjoyed fishing, camping with his family growing up and continued fishing as an adult. He also enjoyed tinkering on just about anything and would tell stories with a big imagination. If he was really into it or had a captive audience it got bigger and more exciting. Other than his children he was most proud when he wrote and published “Found It InThe Bible” after being saved. He co-authored two others and was working on a third at the time of his death.

Robert met his first wife Jill Simi and proposed to her while on leave after dinner on his little sisters 16th birthday. Together they had two beautiful girls. Although they later divorced, he never stopped loving her and only wished her the best.

Bobby was preceded in death by both of his parents, his beloved daughter Amy Jeffers, sisters Regina Johnson, and Theresa Westbrook, and a brother, Jimmie Jeffers, and brother-in-law Luke Walker.

He is survived by his former wife Jill, his daughter Kristie Jeffers, two sons James Slagter, and Robert T. Jeffers, grandchildren Rock Shephard, Brandon Shephard, Nathaniel Jeffers-Brown, Prommisse Thornley, Grayce-Lenn Jeffers, and Eva Slagter, one great grandson Rock Shephard III, two sisters Edith (Randy) Kirsch, Loretta Walker.

Funeral services with full military honors will be held at a later date.

The family of Robert Ivan Jeffers wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has offered their support during this profoundly difficult time. Your kindness and compassion are a source of comfort to us.