We want to say how honored we are that our son, Marine Cpl. Jeffrey Brian Starr, would be considered in the naming of one of Snohomish’s city parks. It’s one of those throat choking/teary moments that often vanquish thought. We fully recognize that others killed in action of various services also deserve consideration. And of course Pilchuck Julia, she humbles us. The honor of putting Julia and Jeffrey beside each other, in this consideration, truly makes us look at history and who we are.
Unlike Julia, Jeffrey’s was a short life. Unlike Julia, his life was not off the land, but more a life built within and of the community that supported and surrounded him as he grew from boy to man. As a family we are grateful for this town, throughout his growing up years and how many shepherded him and our gratitude is deeper for the community who showered and supported us after he was killed in action on Memorial Day, 2005.
We could rattle on and tell stories, kind of like home movies. As Pilchuck Julia is woven into the fabric of Snohomish, so is a young man, wanting to change the world, Cpl. Jeffrey Starr.
Brian and Shellie Starr
Snohomish
