My Dad passed away unexpectedly in March, but because of all that has been going on in the world, we were not able to have a public memorial service until this past weekend. The following was a collaboration with my Mom, Grandma, brother, and sister-in-law, and was read at his service. I haven’t been able to bring myself to completely write a tribute of my own yet, but I thought I’d at least share this for now.

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Thank you so much for being here today and for the ways many of you have touched our lives these past few months since Jeff’s passing. We were blessed and astounded by the many, many cards we received. We greatly appreciated the food, visits, phone calls, texts, and flowers. The contributions made to ACCA and Memorial will help further the Lord’s work through two ministries he loved and believed in. And most of all, we are grateful for your prayers. This is truly the most difficult road we have ever traveled, but we are so thankful for God’s faithfulness as we continue our journey without Jeff.

Jeff was so many things to so many people, and touched many lives during his 58 years on this earth. But he was loved most and known best by his family. His mom, Joann, has many fond memories of his childhood. She recalls him playing with his John Deere tractors, and using his imagination to turn whatever surface he was on into a field that needed to be plowed. He also presented his fair share of challenges through the years, as any child does – like breaking a few bones and managing to get a bean lodged in his nasal passage. But as that accident-prone boy grew into adulthood, it was a blessing to his mother to watch him become the Godly man we all knew.

Jeff was so much more than “just a husband.” He was Gail’s best friend, confidant, spiritual and life leader. He was her encourager and prayer partner. He was an amazing husband who loved and took care of her so well. One example of this, is that he always made sure her car was full of gas. He probably thought it was a little thing, but it was greatly appreciated and meant a lot. He was a tremendous help-mate. Jeff tried hard the last few years to help relieve the stress of caring for her parents. He had such a gift of helps that he used to serve many. He was wise and diligent. Gail really misses being able to talk to Jeff and get his advice and help solving problems, which he was very good at doing. He loved the Lord and had a desire for children to come to know Jesus as their Savior, as evidenced in his service for the Lord at Adams County Christian Academy, Child Evangelism Fellowship, Vacation Bible School and Sunday School at Memorial, and Operation Christmas Child. Gail is thankful that they were able to serve together in some of those ministries. Jeff was not perfect – none of us are. But he knew the beauty of the Lord’s forgiveness. He accepted Christ as his Savior at Uriah United Methodist Church during a revival service, admitting that he was a sinner and believing that Jesus is God’s Son. He then committed his life to serve the Lord, knowing that his works are NOT what secured his place in heaven, but his relationship with Christ. This is how we know he is enjoying heaven today. Gail misses Jeff immensely and is looking forward to their reunion in Heaven.

Jeff was not only a wonderful son and husband, but an amazing father as well. Some of Jared’s favorite memories with his Dad include playing catch in the backyard, working in the garage, and restoring an old John Deere tractor together that had been passed down through multiple generations. Justin most fondly remembers attending concerts, sharing laughs over crazy movies, and building and decorating sets together for the annual Christmas musical at MBC. Jeff was always there for them, even when life was incredibly busy and difficult. He supported and encouraged their endeavors, and always did whatever he could to guide and help along the way. They both greatly miss being able to go to him for counsel and advice. He taught by example how to live a life of honesty and integrity, how to love and lead a family well, and instilled in his sons the importance of working hard, and serving the Lord and others. The fact that both of them have chosen careers that involve serving others is a great testament to the influence Jeff had on their lives.

Many of Jeff’s wonderful qualities are evident from the words spoken here today. Justin remembers a man who embodied and supported his own love of music. Jared speaks of a father who taught him how to mechanically manage the nuts and bolts he would encounter in life. Gail bravely shares with us her memories of a loving, faithful and attentive husband, who would often bring home roses to her on the anniversary of their wedding every month.

We see his face in the faces of his sons and grandsons. We cannot pass any Mack truck and not think, “Wow, what Jeff would give to drive that one”. Many people have shared memories with Gail, Justin and Jared of Jeff’s kindness and willingness to help whoever was in need. He possessed countless abilities that any child or spouse would be proud to remember of their loved one and these actions and traits are important and memorable pieces of Jeff’s character. They are certainly part of his legacy.

But today, we remember the central component of Jeff’s legacy that outweighs all the other wonderful qualities and that, without doubt, was his unshakable and confident hope in Jesus Christ. His faith in Jesus as his Savior guided his decisions and actions throughout every day of his life and because he knew that he was loved and forgiven by his Savior, he was able and willing to extend that attitude to others. His life is a testament to all that can be bravely accomplished when you have a firm foundation in Christ. Because of his example, his sons made a belief in Christ their own and, even at three years old, his grandsons witnessed the love of Jesus in Grandpa’s kindness and love for them. That is a legacy worth leaving. That is a legacy that will endure, long after all of us in this room have passed.