Jeffrey Richard Kaye

Jeff Kaye, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, was born October 13, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois, he was adopted at that time by Sam H. and Betty Kaye, who became his loving parents. He passed away peacefully September 1, 2026.

He grew up in Evanston, Illinois, where he developed an early love of swimming and excelled in the sport. His determination, discipline, and competitive spirit were already evident during those years. He attended Northwestern Military and Naval Academy, an experience that helped shape the character, patriotism and independence that would remain part of him throughout his life. While at Northwestern, he participated in all the sports: football, polo, track and baseball. NMNA was a contributing force and helped shape the man he would become.

In approximately 2000, Jeff discovered that he had a birth brother, Lloyd Huehns. Years later, just a few years before his death, he also learned of a half brother, Michael Phillips. These discoveries gave Jeff an opportunity to learn more about the family and beginnings that had been part of his story since birth.

He attended Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois and was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. In 1970, he answered a call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Air Force. He served from 1970 until 1976 and was stationed at Torrejón Air Base, Madrid, Spain, during the Vietnam War. Jeff was a lifetime VFW member and proud of his country.

After leaving the Air Force, Jeff lived briefly in the Chicago area before moving to California. There, he married Mary Ann Simpson, and together they had three children, Jamie, Justin and Lindsey. His career and family later took them to Pennsylvania then to Colorado.

After moving to Texas, Jeff met and married Jan. Through their marriage, he welcomed Jan’s two children, Miki and Anthony, into his life, bringing their blended family together.

While living in east Texas, Jeff became heavily involved in equine rescue. He took in many rescued horses and donkeys, as well as dogs and cats, giving them a home and a second chance. His compassion for animals was an important part of who he was and remained one of the many ways he expressed his generous heart.

Another of Jeff's loves were the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs. Jeff was a lifelong fan of both and he recounted numerous stories of going to Wrigley Field with his grandfather as a very young boy. Attending the 2016 World Series when the Chicago Cubs played was a historic and unforgettable sports experience, as he put it 'once in a lifetime'.

Above all, Jeff will be remembered not simply for where he went or what he accomplished, but for the relationships he built and the lives he touched. His family will carry his memory forward through the stories, lessons, laughter, and love that remain.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Sam H Kaye and Betty Kaye.

Jeff is survived by wife, Jan, of the home, children Jamie Kaye (Devon) Brighton CO, Justin Kaye (Kellan) Parker CO, Lindsey Kaye-Barker (Brey) Dallas TX, Miki Driscoll (Bubba) Canton TX, Anthony Hill (Erin) Chandler TX. Two brothers, Lloyd Huehns of Albuquerque NM and Michael Phillips (LouAnn) Colorado Springs CO. Grandchildren Zoe, Alyssa, Zane, Ryley, Jackson, Alex, Mason, Chloe and Great Granddaughter Arielle, as well as extended family.