David Sleeter

David Joseph Sleeter, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away in the evening of June 12, 2025 while surrounded by his loving family. He lived every moment to its fullest, expressed life as a treasure, and was a gift to those who knew him.

David was born on 25 June, 1958 in Bloomington Illinois to father Stanely Sleeter and mother Elizabeth Sleeter. He was the second of four children, brother Michael, sister Lisa, and youngest brother Rick. At the age of one, his family moved out west to explore the land of enchantment where David found his true home among the juniper and sage brush.

He met his soul mate and the love of his life Joan Ellen after sitting next to her in physics class during the first year of college. They were married at the young age of 20 on May 12, 1979. Born just one day apart, they never had any doubt that they were made for each other and the 46 precious years together bear testament to their rare and enduring love story. Hand in hand they raised two boys, Ryan David and Justin Jay, in their mountain home of Tijeras, New Mexico which they had built together.

David got his sharp analytical intellect from his father Stanely who was a great Mathematician. He graduated from the University of New Mexico in 1981 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. In 1998 he co-founded the company JD Instruments (JDI) with his partner Jake Tausch. His company succeeded in developing and producing a breakthrough portable automated test equipment technology capable of operating in high radiation environments and used extensively in many satellite and deep space developments. JDI’s innovative equipment, used by Sandia National Labs, Raytheon, Blue Origin and more, supported critical government programs like Jupiter Icy Moons and the ICBM interceptor while receiving international acclaim and utilization by research facilities such as CERN.

It was his mother Elizabeth, herself a poet, English and Creative Writing teacher, who forged David’s imagination. Always born with the gift of storytelling, David transferred this talent into his lifelong passion of music at a young age. As a guitarist he had a flair and skill which few could surpass and soon this blossomed into his ultimate joy of writing and producing music, culminating with his work on the sound and script for ‘Wings’ , a musical epic on which he dedicated much of his life. In addition to music, David was an author of poems, short stories, memoirs, and even a novel ‘Road Signs’ which he published in 2011.

Apart from his family, David’s utmost love was the great outdoors. He spent his free time hiking, backpacking, and exploring the rugged features of the deep southwest, the Canyonlands of Utah, and the mysteries of the Ancient Anasazi. His love and understanding of the desert, its deep cut canyons, red rock monoliths, washed out arroyos, and mesmerizing sunsets crafted an essential part of who he was. The serenity, beauty, and spirituality that David found and cultivated there was a lifelong journey, one that he had a gift for sharing with others. For his wife, sons, relatives, and friends, he has made the outdoors a deeply cherished and spiritual place. In their hearts, it will always be “David’s Place”.

David was a man of remarkable intellect, contagious humor, sharp wit, and deep love. He pursued happiness for his wife, taught his boys honor and respect, stood loyal to his friends, and sought the grace of his creator.

He once remarked ‘he had big shoes to fill’ to live up to his own father’s legacy. Well, the words from one of his father’s favorite poems brings David’s life to mind. “He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much; Who has the respect of intelligent men, and the love of little children; Who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; Who has left the world better than he found it; Who has never lacked appreciation of Earth’s beauty or failed to express it; Who has always looked for the best in others and given the best he had; Whose life was an inspiration; Whose memory a benediction.” I think you gave Grandpa a pretty damn good run for his money. I guess now it’s my turn; I better step up. Peace be with you Dad.

In memory of David J. Sleeter, contributions may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 or online at gifts.mdanderson.org.