Commonly referred to by middle name. Nicknamed Jeff. Also listed as Jefferson O. Myers. Only son of Oliver Perry and Nora E. Mize Myers. Moved to Fredericktown, Missouri at age 10. Graduated high school with best grades in junior and senior years in May 1906, spent summer driving mule in North American lead mines to earn money to buy encyclopedia. Educated at Gem City Business College, University of Missouri, University of Chicago and Harvard Law School. Moved to Ouray in February 1915 and worked at law office of Story and Story. Described by friends as having "irrepressible enthusiasm and determination", "high ideals", great maker of friends, "one of the most brilliant minds", "passionately ambitious", "indomitable worker...Work was his religion, although he could play like a truant." Played tennis and golf. Trained at Austin, Texas and Chateau-roux, France. Put in charge of flying detachment although his sergeant outranked him, which sergeant wrote "This shows how capable and responsible he was." Upon death described by friend as "a Christian that lived up to his faith and a soldier that knew no fear."