Jeffrey D. Percy

Jeffrey Donald Percy was born on March 21, 1974 in Ithaca, New York to Donald Henry Percy and Goldie Jane Percy. Jeff was raised in Locke, New York, and attended Groton High School. He began his Air Force career in 1993 at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a fighter pilot. While at the Academy, Jeff met and began dating his future wife, Janelle Allyson Percy. He was also a cadet soaring instructor and member of the USAFA Cross Country Soaring Team.

Jeff graduated from the Air Force Academy in May 1997 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Military History and attended pilot training at Columbus AFB, MS where he flew the T-37 and T-38. After graduating in May of 1998, Janelle followed Jeff to Columbus where she also attended pilot training. They were married on December 31, 1998. Jeff received his AF pilot wings in December of 1998 and was selected to fly the F-15C. Soon after, Jeff reported to Tyndall AFB, FL, where he completed the F-15 Basic Course.

Jeff's first operational assignment was Eglin AFB, FL with the 60th Fighter Squadron, the "Fighting Crows." The Crows gave him the fighter pilot call sign by which he is now widely known, Igor. While at Eglin, Jeff attended the United States Flight Safety Course and also earned a Master of Science Degree in Aeronautics from Embry–Riddle University. He became a first assignment instructor pilot and moved to Okinawa, Japan in December of 2002 where he joined the 44th Fighter Squadron, the “Vampire Bats”. In July 2004, Jeff began rigorous training at the prestigious USAF Fighter Weapons School at Nellis AFB, NV. He graduated from Weapons Instructor Course O4B as a USAF Weapons Officer in December 2004. Jeff returned to Okinawa, Japan where he became the Weapons Officer for the 67th Fighter Squadron, the “Fighting Cocks”.

In December 2005, Jeff and Janelle moved back to Eglin AFB, FL where he was assigned to the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron. Jeff and Janelle’s first daughter, Skylar Nicole Percy, was born in June of 2008. In December 2008, Jeff left active duty and took a position as the Director of Flight Operations and Chief of Flight Test and Training at Epic Aircraft in Bend OR. In April of 2010, he began his job as Director of Flight Operations and Chief Pilot for BAE Systems in Mojave, CA where he flew and tested the F-4 Phantom, DC-9, and Sabreliner. Jeff and Janelle’s second daughter, Peyton, was born in September of 2010. Jeff died on August 16, 2015, when the Sabreliner he was flying was involved in a mid-air collision on approach to Brown Field in San Diego.

Jeff was an experienced pilot who logged over 5,000 flight hours. He was a decorated combat veteran, earning the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, among others. Jeff is survived by his wife, Janelle, and his daughters, Skylar and Peyton. He is also survived by his parents, Donald and Goldie Percy, and his brother, Wes Percy.

Funeral services will be held at Eternal Valley in Newhall, CA on August 29th, 2015 at 1 pm. There will be a celebration of his life at 3 pm at Westridge Valencia Clubhouse, 26960 Sycamore Meadow Dr. Valencia CA 91355.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Edward Jones at 25129 The Old Road #103, Stevenson Ranch, CA. 91381. Donations will be given to charities for children who have lost their parents.