ZILLMER, JEDADIAH D

Jedediah “Jed” Zillmer was born on April 22, 1990 in Spokane, Washington to Brian Ponder and Brandi Zillmer. Jed graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 2008. While at Lewis and Clark, he was awarded the Chase Youth Award for his role in helping to fix and build computers for low-income families.  

Jed had a lifelong dream to fix and renovate his own home. He also loved working on computers, cars, and house projects. He was an outdoorsman spending much of his time outdoors hiking, adventuring, biking, running and exploring. Jedadiah was a loving and dedicated husband, son, brother and friend. 

SPC Zillmer joined the United States Army in 2009 and attended boot camp at Fort Benning Georgia. Upon completion of his initial training, he was stationed at Fort Campbell Kentucky, and shortly after his arrival he was deployed to Afghanistan as a sniper on a 12-month tour. While deployed, and under heavy and constant attack from the Taliban, SPC Zillmer was shot in the foot which resulted in him returning to the United States two months early so that he could have a pin surgically implanted in his middle toe. It was Jed’s dream to become an Army Ranger, however, due to limitations because of his injury, in September 2012 he opted to get out of the Army at end of his obligated enlistment.  

Returning to Spokane, Jed attended Spokane Falls Community College where he was pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering and computer science. He also served as one of the Veteran Resource Officers at SFCC, helping Veterans to obtain the education benefits they have earned.  

Jed always stood up and protected the underdog. It is who he was. Whether that be helping to protect the people of Afghanistan against the Taliban, or the guy getting picked on by bigger people, Jed was a protector. He was also very tough, running the Bloomsday Marathon with a pin in his foot. His thought, “when my foot starts to hurt, I will just run faster”. 

Jed passed away on February 11, 2014. His military awards include the Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Medal.  

The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project proudly remembers SPC Jedediah “Jed” Zillmer for his service, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation. Our hope is that his life continues to inspire all who learn his story.