Jeffrey Skodje Obituary

Burlington - Jeff succumbed to his 57 year battle with PTSD on June 27, 2025. Monday the 23rd was the anniversary of being shot in View Nam. It is with shock and grief that we pass this along. Our children believe many people wait their whole lives to meet their hero. They believe they were raised by one!! As we move on, let's focus on: How Jeff Lived!!

Jeff was born in Seattle, Washington to Betty Marie Williams and Obert Carl Skodje. Brother, Gene, preceded him in death. Jeff went to Cascade High School in Everett and graduated in 1966. Jeff grew up around Lake Serene in Mukilteo, WA. His parents also had a summer home on Camano Island. Jeff worked for Twin City Foods in Stanwood, WA during his early years.

Jeff volunteered for the Army and he was inducted on November 1966 at Fort Lewis, WA. He was just 19 years of age. Time served was 1 year-11 months. He was promoted to Sergeant E-5 after only 2 months in Country. Total time in Viet Nam was just under 4 months. Upon returning home from his hospital stay in Japan, Jeff spent many months recuperating at Madigan Hospital in Seattle, WA. Jeff was discharged on October 17, 1968 at Fort Lewis.

Upon Jeff's arrival back home to Everett and Stanwood, Jeff's brother told him he had met a gal who claimed to be his fiance', delivering phone books around the Stanwood area. Her name was Cathy. (Jeff and Cathy had met at Silvana--a place to dance for young people. Then, between boot camp and being sent to View Nam Jeff went to Silvana again. Cathy was there and he asked her to dance. During the evening the conversation focused on him going away and his "pick-up line" turned to the time he would be getting out of the Army and he suggested we get married in November of that year--What a "Smooth Talker!" Off he went to war and off Cathy went to college.) We did not correspond during this time away. It was all casual talk from two young people. I had gotten to know some of his friends in the Stanwood area. Jeff looked me up and decided we should go out and talk about postponing our November wedding since we did not know each other well. From that first date, which we joked about postponing our wedding and we needed to date others and not be exclusive, Jeff, just out of the Army and Cathy just starting college. From that first date, we were a couple.

After a short while and various jobs, Jeff decided to go to Skagit Valley College. That is where Cathy was studying. It was there that he got into the Civil Engineering Technology Program. Cathy then moved on to Central Washington State College and Jeff and Cathy did get engaged at this point. Cathy graduated from college in 1971 and they were married July of 1971. On to Oregon Institute of Technology where Jeff earned a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering Technology. Shortly after Jeff took a class at Skagit Valley College to focus on Land Surveying. Jeff became a Licensed Land Surveyor, getting his first job with Rader and Leonard Land Surveyors and Engineers. That was in 1974. Jeff Later joined as a partner and the company became: Leonard, Boudinot and Skodje Surveyors and Engineers in Mount Vernon, WA. Retiring from that company in 2010.

Jeff leaves behind, his wife of 54 years--Cathy, Daughter, Melissa (John) McCanna and Grandaughters-Kaitlynn and Kylie McCanna and Son, Mark. Brother Gene's daughter Kaycee Skodje Johnson (Byron Wilkins) and son Simeon.

Jeff received an Honorable Discharge from the Army earning a Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star with V Device.

Jeff was a guy of many talents. Loved snow-skiing, sailboat racing--Santa Cruz 27--Kermit, salmon fishing, riding motorcycles--dirt and street, loved airplanes and so much more.

Jeff belonged to the Anacortes Yacht Club, being Commodore in 1984, Disabled Americans, Viet Nam Veterans of America, Skagit County Quilts of Honor Recipient,

VFW, American Legion, Eagles 3242, Land Surveyors Association.

A Celebration of Life will take place at the Big Lake Fire Department Community Center at 16818 West Big Lake Blvd. Mount Vernon, WA 98274 on Thursday August 14, 2025 at 1 PM. Come and Share your stories!!

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Heritage Flight Museum in Jeff's name. 15053 Crosswinds Drive, Burlington, WA 98233