Spiess Jeremy Kaufmann
Jeremy Kaufmann Spiess, 49, of Canaan, NH passed away on September 23, 2025, at Tufts Medical Center after a courageous battle with ongoing medical issues. Born in Columbia, Tennessee, on June 25, 1976, Jeremy grew up in Hohenwald, TN. He was the beloved son of Karen Fay Gilley and Larry Harding Spiess. He passed away peacefully with his mother and wife by his side.
Jeremy was a decorated military veteran, having served as an infantryman in the US Army from 1994-1998 and the Tennessee Army National Guard from 1998-2001. Jeremy attended Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN and earned his Master of Science in Biology in 2003. He went on to serve as a dedicated Wildland Firefighter for more than 15 years working with and alongside federal, state and local land management agencies. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Lisa Picconi, in 2013, working on a Wildland Fire engine at Dinosaur National Park in Colorado. The two were married on January 1, 2014, embarking on an adventurous life together, moving from place to place and standing side by side through countless fires, both literal and figurative. Their partnership was one of deep love, shared purpose, and unshakable commitment.
A passionate outdoorsman, Jeremy found joy in hiking, camping, firearms marksmanship, tactical emergency casualty care, and immersing himself in military and veteran history. He was an active member of several organizations close to his heart, including the National Rifle Association, Wildland Firefighters Foundation, Sons of Confederate Veterans and various organizations in support of Veteran mental health. Yet, of all the things Jeremy valued, nothing came close to the love he had for his wife and two daughters: Lillian, and Ember. They were the light of his life and his greatest pride.
Jeremy is survived by his devoted wife of 11 years, Lisa Picconi Spiess; his daughters, Lillian Kaufmann Spiess, and Ember Iris Spiess of Canaan, NH; his mother, Karen Fay Gilley of Decaturville, TN; his father and stepmother, Larry Harding and Joann Spiess of Dyersburg, TN; and his siblings, Christopher Spiess of Columbia, TN, and Ashley Lauren (Shaun) Spiess-Nay of Hohenwald, TN; nephews Ethan Spiess, Lucas Nay and Tatum Nay; nieces Anna Spiess and Diana Nay.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Mary Rue Rogers and Morris D. Lee of Linden, TN; his paternal grandparents, Beulah Tatum and Max Spiess of Hohenwald, TN; his stepfather, Danny Gilley; a beloved nephew, William Spiess; and an unborn child who Lisa and Jeremy lovingly refer to as Baby Jack.
A celebration of Jeremy’s life will be held at a later date in both New Hampshire and Tennessee. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the causes he championed, and the countless lives he touched.
In lieu of flowers, an account has been established to support Lillian and Ember in their future endeavors and adventures. For those who wish to make a donation in Jeremy’s memory, the family invites you to consider one of the following organizations that held special meaning to him: the Gary Sinise Foundation or Wildland Firefighter Foundation
In lieu of flowers, Lisa kindly asks that donations be made to the Child Life Program at Tufts Medical Center-an organization that went above and beyond to support their daughters and stood with their family, 200 percent, every step of the way.
