Jeffrey P. Markham

Our beloved Jeffrey Patrick Markham was taken from us too soon at 43. All of Jeff’s life, his heart had the most love. His heart carried his family every day, and it stopped on May 2, 2023. We will never understand why he was taken from us, but we will strive to have a kind and loving heart like Jeff every day.

Jeff was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico to William and Maureen Markham. He was the youngest in his family, with two siblings, Andy and Stella Markham. Their family briefly moved to Connecticut, then made their life in Phoenix, Arizona. He was a thoughtful and caring son and brother his entire life.

Jeff graduated high school from Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix with lifelong friends. He then graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Arizona in Tucson with even more lifelong friends. After graduating, he moved back to Phoenix and began his adult life and career. He loved golf; his Arizona Cardinals; University of Arizona basketball; live music; karaoke; little dogs; bike rides; and time with his friends. Jeff was a friend to all. He was the most loyal, kind, and thoughtful friend anyone could have. He was also very funny. Always one with the best jokes and sayings, Jeff loved a good laugh. He cherished a beer (or cocktail) and a good chat with his buddies. 

There in Phoenix he met his wife and best friend, Laura. Jeff and his wife Laura had a beautiful love story. They had their first date on a Memorial Day Weekend and after that were inseparable. They married in 2014. They lived with a sense of adventure and devotion; and always cherished each other. They moved to Bend, Oregon where Jeff fell in love with the Pacific Northwest. In the Pacific Northwest spirit, he grew a magnificent beard, of which he was very proud.

With much happiness, their son Harland “Harry” Markham was born in 2018. Also with much happiness, their daughter, Frances Markham was born in 2020. Not long after Frances was born, their family moved to Rathdrum, Idaho. A place Jeff loved and was proud to call home. A lifelong dream of Jeff’s was to be a husband and father. Having both brought him so much joy. He was a devoted, loving, and attentive father and fearless protector of his little family. He took care of all of them with his kind and gentle heart. His family wishes they only had him for longer. Even if it was only for a little bit. His kindness, joyfulness, and humor lives on his children.

Jeff is survived by his wife Laura Markham, and his beautiful children, Harland and Frances. He is also survived by his father, William Markham Jr., his mother, Maureen Markham, his brother William “Andy” Markham III. He had a large extended family that would be too long to list, but who were all important to him. Jeff considered his many wonderful friends his family, who would also be too long to list but who he treasured dearly. Jeff was predeceased by his sister Stella Marie Markham and his grandparents.

These words do not seem like enough to capture what a wonderful man Jeff was; and he will be missed beyond measure. We could all be more like Jeff, by being kind and loving to one another. A Celebration of Life will be held for Jeff in the Coeur d’Alene, Idaho area (his home) on a soon to be determined date. A Celebration of Life will also be held in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday, June 3rd at 6pm, at Anderson Hall at Saint Francis Xavier.  In lieu of flowers, please contact English Funeral Chapel in Coeur d’Alene regarding a private donation to honor Jeff.