The death of Marine Capt. Jeff Kuss, a Durango native, was a tragic loss for his family, his many friends and the country he served. Kuss, 32, died when the jet he was flying crashed Thursday. He is survived by his wife, Christina, two small children, a brother, Eric, and his parents, Michael and Janet Kuss of Durango.
He had a deep connection to Durango, through his mother to the Stransky family and through his grandfather, Dolph Kuss, to the whole cross-country skiing and outdoor recreation community. Jeff himself was a Durango High School tennis player.
There is no consolation for the loss of a fine man at a young age. It should be remembered, however, that at the time of his death, he was living his dream as a member of the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy’s elite flight demonstration team. He loved jets even as a child and was flying before he was driving.
Jeff Kuss was a Durango High graduate, a Fort Lewis College alum, a naval aviator and a Marine. All who knew him describe him as a thoroughly decent person.
He was known for his determination. Fort Lewis economics professor Stephanie Owings-Edwards says that while economics “was not immediately easy for him,” he kept at it until, “he had mastered everything I had to teach.” She also described him jogging near the college on winter mornings when no one else was out in preparation for the Marines’ tough physical training.
He no doubt approached flying the same way. And it paid off. Only the best of the best are accepted by the Blue Angels.
Owings-Edwards said that Kuss had planned to move back to Durango and run for political office when his military service ended. The community would have benefited.
Jeff Kuss will be missed, here and everywhere he touched.
