Above all else, Jeff loved the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – one God in three persons. He was the very best friend to his wife, Lucinda, with whom he served in ministry, laughed, and watched all things Star Wars and Marvel. After all, he was Jedi Master Jeff!
All six of his children – David, Daniel, Faith, Jeffery Jr., Ryan, and Destiny – considered it a privilege to call him Dad. His seven grandchildren – Michael, Grace, Alex, Jonathan, Alyssa, Hana, and Ira – called him Grandpa Jeff and loved him deeply. He is also blessed to have a great grandson – James.
He was the proud son of Nathan Sr. and Claydene, who went on to be with Jesus prior to Jeff’s transition to Paradise. He was also a loving brother to Nathan Jr., Christopher, Jerald Sr., Charla, and Eric. They stayed connected through weekly Zoom calls and periodic visits to their parents’ home in Colorado.
Jeff served as the pastor of A Place Along the Way Church, and he was in the process of completing a doctorate degree in theology. He obtained a separate doctorate degree, minus the dissertation, several years prior in a different field of study. He absolutely loved studying the Word of God and teaching it to others. His congregation often expressed appreciation for their growth in knowledge and understanding.
He was also the ministry leader of Celebrate Recovery at Desert Breeze Community Church in Phoenix, AZ. He was tremendously grateful for, and humbled by, his areas of recovery, and he was passionate about helping others along their journey.
He was an amazing friend who joked about the craziest things, and he never met a stranger. He was loved by everyone who knew him.
Jeff will be buried at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he graduated in 1982.
Enjoy eternity, Jeff. We miss you, but we will see you soon.
I’m PROUD to call him my USAFA Classmate for Class of 1982. Prayers for family, friends and Classmates.
I just found out today regarding Jeff’s passing.
My deepest condolences to family and friends. I am so very grateful to have called Jeff by good friend. We were classmates from Mitchell High School Class of 1978.
I only met Jeffrey via Zoom. However, his influence was felt by my son and I through his brother Pastor Christopher Riles, Gerald, Charla, and Delando. His love for God and strong will was felt. We hope and pray for his family to find peace. We know Jeffrey is at peace with The father.
Love, Sally and Ceasar McNay
Oh, this hurts. Like all people you drift apart over the years, but I’ll always have good memories of Jeff from high school. He was always one of the people I like and respected most. An amazing friend and an amazing man. Reading his obit makes me realize that more. So sorry for the loss. Condolences out to Lucinda, who it seems like he married just yesterday, and the rest of his family. Very sad. ?