Jeffrey Mark Grage

Jeffrey "Jeff" Grage, 78, passed away on June 7, 2026, leaving behind a life defined by curiosity, resilience, and a determination to keep learning.

Born on September 30, 1947, in Oak Park, Illinois, Jeff grew up in Chicago, where childhood adventures and summers at Goose Lake in Wisconsin sparked a fascination with how things worked that stayed with him throughout his life.

After high school, Jeff joined the United States Army, serving as an aircraft mechanic in Korea and Germany during the Cold War. While serving in Germany, one of his commanders recognized his mechanical ability, placed a stack of electronics manuals on his desk, and told him to learn them. Jeff did exactly that, launching a decades-long career repairing sophisticated medical imaging equipment. His work took him across the United States and around the world, from Mexico to Europe to China. To friends and family, he was simply the person who could fix almost anything.

A longtime Simi Valley resident since 1987, Jeff devoted countless hours to young people, coaching his children's sports teams and serving as a Boy Scout Scoutmaster, where he helped boys earn merit badges, build confidence, and develop a love of the outdoors. He was also a lifetime member of the VFW, proudly marching in parades and taking part in ceremonies and color guards in honor of those who served.

In retirement, Jeff turned that same curiosity toward his family's history, tracing where they came from before writing a memoir so his children and grandchildren would know not only their roots, but the man behind them.

Jeff is survived by his beloved wife of more than 40 years, Carla Kay (Wilber) Grage; his children, Cathey Armillas, Karin Kusumakar, and Kenny Grage; his stepchildren, Amber, Shane, Michael, and Dallas Moran; and a large and growing family of grandchildren and loved ones.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 11, at Rancho Simi Community Park in Simi Valley, a place woven into the family's story for decades. Jeff brought his children and later his grandchildren there to play, and proudly cheered on countless softball games from the sidelines. Returning there feels like coming home.

Family and friends will gather to remember Jeff, share stories, and celebrate a life built around family.