Jeffrey Lee Green, 76

Jeffrey Lee Green, 76, a United States Marine Corps (USMC) veteran of the Vietnam War and 2025, resident of Columbia Falls and Kalispell, passed away on Nov. 1, 2025, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls, with his wife Deborah at his side.

Jeff, as he was known to all, was born Feb. 18, 1949, to FJ and Laura (2026) Green in Valdosta, Georgia. Jeff moved with his family to Green Bay, Wisconsin, in 1957 and graduated from Green Bay West High School in 1967. After graduation, Jeff enlisted in the USMC. As a lance corporal in the Marines, Jeff saw action in some of the fiercest fighting and the siege of Khe Sahn. While he had many stories of his time there, detailing the antics of his fellow Marines or the scenery in the area, he only gave very edited versions of the combat action he encountered. 

The Marines recognized Jeff with a Purple Heart, specifically for his heroic action during an ambush by the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) while on patrol, where Jeff gave up a protected position so the medic would have a place to treat the wounded. It was at this time that Jeff was shot, and despite being wounded, he continued with suppressing fire until help arrived. Jeff and one other Marine were the only two survivors of the original patrol. Jeff did not speak much about this moment, but he did proudly wear Marine Vietnam Service ball caps and T-shirts throughout his life.

After the war, Jeff returned home and had several marriages and children. He lived in many states and held many jobs; he loved working with his hands and was a gifted woodworker. He found his true home in the mountains of western Montana; it is where he found peace for his spirit. He was an avid outdoorsman, hunter, and fisherman who enjoyed sharing his bounty with friends and family.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents and brother Bobby Green. 

He is survived by his wife, Deborah; sons, Brian, Jaimz and Michael and daughter, Melissa; numerous grandchildren and one great-grandson. He is also survived by his brothers, Stephen (Deborah), Danny (Gwen) and Tony (Shellie) VanArk and his sister, Noelle (Merle) Webber. 

He will be interred at the Tahoma National Cemetery, Kent, Washington, on April 1, at 1300 hours. Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls is caring for the family.