Obituary of Timothy David Speegle

Tim Speegle, 75, of Chula Vista, California, passed away suddenly on March 14, 2018 with his daughter, Jamie Coleman, by his side. After being diagnosed with cancer in February, Tim was confident that he would beat this disease and was looking forward to starting treatment. Even though he was in a tremendous amount of pain, he would tell you he was 110%. Tim was born in Visalia, California. He was the oldest of five siblings, Ron Speegle, Sharon Munchiando, Victoria Addison, and Don Hume. He graduated from Mar Vista High School in 1960 and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1964. He was honorably discharged shortly after returning from Vietnam. He continued to serve in Naval Reserves until his retirement in 1994. During his naval service, he earned the following awards: two Navy Commendation Medals with Combat Distinguishing Device, Navy Unit Commendation, Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal, two National Defense Service Medals, Vietnam Service Medal, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Hourglass Device and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. While in Vietnam, Tim was on the project team that studied the effects of Shock Lung, now known as Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). This work helped save countless lives and still does today. Outside of his naval career, Tim graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from California State University, San Diego (Go Aztecs!). He worked as a computer programmer, Real Estate Broker, Insurance Salesman, and an I.T. Specialist until his retirement in 2008. He enjoyed dancing to 1950’s Rock n Roll, golfing, and staying active until his arthritis got the best of him. When he could no longer participate in physical activities, he found joy in Fantasy Football and helped run the SPAWAR Golf League. Tim is survived by his wife, Carol, his children, Jamie Coleman, Paul Speegle, Brian Speegle, Sheryl Blacksmith, Dale Speegle, his grandchildren, great grandchildren, his siblings, and many nieces and nephews. There will be a Celebration of Life, on Saturday, March 24th with plenty of 50’s music playing from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the home of Jamie Coleman, 743 La Rochi Way, El Cajon 92019. There will be an Honor Guard Flag Ceremony at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Wounded Warriors Project in Tim’s name.