In Memory of Our Friend
Steve Jurey
July 3, 1947 - June 11, 2007
Steve Jurey passed away on June 11, 2007. He was a friend to Mango's and friend and shipmate to many of our mutual friends and patrons. This page is dedicated to Steve. If you have any pictures or memories you would like to contribute please send them to wmyers@smartbro.net.
|
|
|
| Steve and Shipmates at the 1993 Navy Day Ball in Singapore. From left FCC Keith Emerson, Lt Rich Whiston, FCC George Martin, LCDR Pat Keenan, Capt John Hamilton, Steve, ETC Tim Jacobs | Steve's not in this picture since he took it. This is the ship repair crew that Steve helped assemble and lead in Singapore following the closing of SRF Subic. Left to right ETC Ike Gamez, ETCM John Smith, FCC Keith Emerson, FCC George Martin, ETC Tim Jacobs, Lt Rich Whiston, Capt John Hamilton, LCDR Pat Keenan, ETCM Dale Paige, LCDR Rich Anderson |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Steve & Diane's Wedding Day 2001 |
|||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Steve was a regular at Mango's and strongly supported the Pool League, Local Causes and Veteran's Affairs | |||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Steve's burial service was conducted by the various Military Associations in the Subic Bay / Angeles City area. Many of his friends from Angeles, Subic, overseas and down under attended. We assembled under the trees and the tent you see. Mount Arayat can be seen in the background of the American Cemetery at the former Clark Air Force Base. Abandoned by the U.S. Government, the cemetery is supported by the Veteran's Association and the American and Philippine Community's at large. The Philippine Authorities allow that both of our two Nations Flags be flown. Steve was the last Commanding Officer of Ship Repair Facility Subic Bay. The Gordon's from Olongapo fame sent flowers and their regards. Steve was cremated and is buried in the west end of the American Cemetery on Clark. |
||||||||
Commander Steven N. Jurey
U.S. Navy, Retired
Steve was born in Colfax, WA on July 3, 1947 and passed away, unexpectedly, on June 11, 2007, at his home in Olongapo City, Philippines. After graduation from John R. Rogers High School, in 1965, Steve enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he rose from the rank of Seaman Recruit to Commander, an accomplishment that few achieve.
His first shipboard duty was aboard the USS Thomaston. Later, while attending the Nuclear Power School in Idaho Falls, he became a first-time father; his son, Clinton, was born on his Dad's birthday, July 3, 1968. After graduation from Nuclear Power School, Steve continued on as an instructor. Subsequently, he was selected for the Naval Enlisted Scientific Education Program. Under that program, he attended the University of Idaho, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree and earning the rank of Ensign in 1976.
As an officer, he expected a lot of the men who served under him; however, coming from their ranks, he always supported, defended and had compassion for the enlisted sailor. Steve attended the U.S. Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, CA, where he earned his Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1982. His many other educational experiences, courtesy of the U.S. Navy, included graduation from Mechanics School, Submarine School and Surface Warfare Officer's School. Steve was a veteran of both the Vietnam Conflict, serving aboard the USS Truxton and the USS Kirk during three tours of duty.
He served in Bahrain as Officer in Charge of Ship Repair, where he was instrumental in the repair of the USS Stark and the USS Roberts, ships critically damaged while patrolling the Persian Gulf. In 1990 he was assigned to the Middle East, during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm; he established maintenance support for the Commander, Mine Countermeasures Group. His distinguished and decorated thirty year career in the Navy took him to postings in the U.S., Europe and the Middle East; he was, however, primarily, a Pacific Fleet sailor. Steve loved the Asian countries where he served, especially the Philippines, were he commanded the Ship Repair Unit at Subic Bay Naval Station during the decommission and return of that facility, at the time, the largest U.S. Naval ship repair facility in the Pacific, to the government of the Republic of the Philippines.
Upon his retirement, at the age of 47, Steve decided to join the American community, most of them retired veterans of the several armed services, who call the Subic Bay area home. He became an active member of the community, working with the Retired Affairs Office in Subic Bay, which was established by Congress to serve as a resource to retired military living abroad; as a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2485, Angeles City, RP; and through his involvement in various sports leagues in the area, which is how he met his future wife.
Sanlocrina (Diane) and Steve were married in 2001. With his marriage to Diane, Steve started a new family, which consisted of a stepson, Joshua, and a daughter, Queenie Mae. Steve loved them both deeply and was a good father to them. In the Philippines, Steve is survived by Diane, Joshua, Queenie and many good friends.
In El Centro, CA, he is survived by Sergeant Clinton Jurey, California National Guard, Clinton's wife, Teressa, and, two granddaughters Jocelyn and Bianca.
In Spokane, he is survived by his mother, Joan (JoAnn) Jurey, his brothers, Chris and Randy Jurey, a nephew, Bryan Payne, and, a niece, Danielle Jurey. His father, Neal F. Jurey and his sister, Sandra Jo (Jurey) Payne, both of Spokane, predeceased him.
Services, with full military honors, were held at the American Cemetery, located at the former Clark Air Force Base, in the Philippines. Memorial contributions directed to VFW Post 2485, Angeles City, RP will assist in the upkeep of the American Cemetery at Clark AFB, final resting place for more than 2,100 U.S. Veterans from the USA, USN, USMC, USCG, USAF and Philippine Scouts (PS). Information on donations to this cause can be found at www.vfwpost2485.com.
Thank You for Remembering Steve