99 GMC Jimmy V6 Cranks Doesn't Start

I don't see any recent threads on this and I want to have some dialog. I am starting this thread for a young friend of ours. Apparently he doesn't have a computer where he is. I am going to get him going on this site in the future though; there is nothing like first hand information.

1999 GMC Jimmy. He said 4.2 L V6 but I think that would be a 4.3 L, mileage unknown at this point.
He has lots of crank power; it's turning over good.
He can hear the fuel pump coming on.
When we get in touch with him I will ask if there is anything strange going on with the dash gauges (he didn't mention that so I assume not).
At this point I don't even know if 'Check Engine' is lit. He won't have a code scanner out there.

Is there a way to check the fuel pump without having a pressure gauge there?
Could it be a severely plugged fuel filter?
Should he check for spark at a few of the plugs? (pull the plug, put SP wire back on, ground plug, turn engine over, blue spark, etc)?
Are these electronic ignition modules a common failure?
Would a code scan with engine not running be of any value?

That is all I will say until I hear from someone here.

Start by checking spark those caps and rotors are notorious.