Jeffrey De Vere Staples
Jeff Staples, age 44, died at his home in West Jordan, UT, on September 29, 2026.
Jeffrey DeVere Staples, Jr. was born May 24, 1982, to parents Patricia Isom and Jeffrey DeVere Staples. He joined a family that already included his two sisters, 3-year-old Sara and 2-year-old Nicole. He was eagerly anticipated, much-loved, mischievous, and sweet. His favorite toy was a Funshine Care Bear, whom he called ‘Funge’.
The family lived in Kearns, UT until 1985, when the parents, Pat & Jeff (Sr.), divorced. Jeff (Jr.) lived with his mom and attended school in Sandy, UT, Las Vegas, NV, and St. George, UT. Family life with mom included daily love and support, weekend recreation activities, and a memorable trip to Alaska where he was very proud about landing a large halibut. He and his siblings were close, and they enjoyed fun weekends at their dad’s house with rented VHS tapes and junk food, and spending time outdoors with his parents’ extended family in places like Kolob and Yellowstone.
Jeff had a lifelong interest in computer technology. As an adult, he moved to Salt Lake County to be closer to his mom and sisters’ families, and he continued his career in IT via employment at Salt Lake Community College, where he worked for more than 20 years. He was a fun uncle to his sisters’ kiddos, Kasey and Cam. He had a knack for unique gift-giving, intelligent conversation, and introducing the newest gadget, idea, video game, or book at exactly the right time.
Jeff married his wife Kate (Heatherington) in 2017 and gained many extended family members as in-laws. Jeff & Kate’s household included several beloved dogs over the years: Bleu, Tank, and Dotty. Jeff spent a lot of time gaming with friends. Jeff & Kate prioritized making time to do advocacy work together for causes that fight systemic injustice.
Jeff was a great cook, somebody who loved to be outside, and a woodwork-in-the- garage type of guy. He loved reading, his niblings, and dogs. His pun game was unmatched, and he gave the biggest, best hugs. He also struggled with mental illness. His loss is devastating. He will be dearly missed and remembered by all who loved him.
Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Jeffrey DeVere Staples, in 1995. He is survived by his wife, Kate Staples, their dogs Tank and Dotty, and Kate’s extended family. He is also survived by his mother, Patricia Isom (Geno Garcia), sisters Sara Staples Holt (Shane Holt) and Nicole Staples, and two niblings, Kasey and Cam. A memorial gathering will be held locally on Saturday, November 7, 2026. All are welcome, but RSVP is needed. Please contact a family member for details.
For anyone wishing to express sympathy, the family thanks you very much for your love and support. A memorial page honoring Jeff and benefiting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is available at: https://supporting.afsp.org/campaigns/InMemoryOfJeffStaples. Donations for the Humane Society of Utah, whose work helps animals like the ones Jeff loved, are
accepted at: https://donate.utahhumane.org/campaign/687674/donate. His wife, Kate, may be reached via Venmo at: @kate-staples-2.
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