Jeffrey L. Jernigan
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Jeffrey L. Jernigan, 64, of Grain Valley, MO passed away from ALS, (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) on Sunday, May 19, 2013. Jeff was born August 5, 1948 in Indianapolis, IN. He is survived by: loving wife, Debbie; daughter, Jessica Kelly and her husband, Mike; two grandchildren, Cashel and Maebyn Kelly and a third grandchild due in November, all of St. Petersburg, FL; daughter, Kristen Jernigan and partner, John Anderson of Firestone, CO; brother, Alex Jernigan and his wife, Ann of Southport, NC and their children and Debbie’s children and grandchildren of Blue Springs, MO.
Jeff is preceded in death by his first wife of 34 years, Priscilla Jernigan; sister, Julie Jernigan and parents, Alex and Correen Jernigan.
A “Celebration of Life” will be held from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, Saturday, May 25th at Acquaint Gathering Church, 512 Capelle St., Grain Valley, MO 64029.
Jeff was a Veteran of the US Air Force and stationed in Tacoma, WA, Sacramento, CA and on Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines. He received his bachelor’s Degree from Ball State University and his Master’s Degree from the University of Southern California. He also attended St. Paul School of Theology, Kansas City, MO and pastored at St. Luke’s Church in Grand Pass, MO. Jeff was very devoted and loved his ministry of supporting the homeless through the Uplift Organization, Kansas City, MO.
Jeff will be greatly missed by his loving family and host of friends. He will be remembered for his love of sailing, piano music, his beautiful grandchildren, his ability to carry on intellectual conversations where you felt like he was sincere and you always took something away from them. Jeff enjoyed the wonderful trips with Debbie, which she will forever cherish in her memories. Jeff greatly enjoyed spending time with his family and extended families.
Jeff’s family would like to sincerely thank; Julie Williams with The ALS Association, Keith Worthington Chapter; the VA Medical Center, particularly Nikki Caraveo; Teresa Harmon, with Home Instead, and the NorthCare Hospice team for the loving care they gave to Jeff.
Memorial donations may be made by logging into The ALS Association, Keith Worthington Chapter, www.alsa.org Click on “Walk to Defeat ALS” and click on “Find a Team” and key in Jeff’s Sole Mates, to make a donation. (arrangements by: Heartland Cremation & Burial Sociecty, 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, Missouri. 816-313-1677)
Visits: 3
Thank you for our first sailing experience and knowing when “not” to panic when it felt like the boat was going to capsize!!
In Loving memory of a wonderful brother-in-law. You will be in our hearts always.
Uncle Jeff, You brought so much happiness into this family, You will be forever missed, and loved.
Casey
Jeff could so easily switch from his sense of humor to a serious and personally meaningful conversation. His heart and love for humanity was too big for this world. Thank you Jeff.
You were an awesome son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, & brother-in-law. Thank you for giving my sister a wonderful life before she left us. We will be here for Jessica & Kristen as well as all the grandkids & they will hear all the wonderful stories about how special their grandparents were. RIP, Jeff…your humor, wisdom, & loving care will be greatly missed.
We’ll always remember the fun times we had on Lake Stockton. Love you Captain Jeff.
It was a privilege to know Jeff and volunteer with him at the Uplift Organization. He was a compassionate person who did a lot to provide help and comfort to the homeless. Jeff will be missed. My heart goes out to you and your family.
I remember Jeff from our days at HMR. What a great guy. My condolences to the family. Rest in peace.
To the family: May you hold your memories most dear to heart. Our condolences to you and yours.
Our hearts go out to you and your family. You two are such a great part of our Prague to Paris memories. He was a special guy!
Jeff, Thank you for being a part of our lives. You always made us feel so welcome in your home. You are a wonderful man with special qualities of kindness, graciousness and generosity.
God Bless.
Debbie and family, my heart goes out to you. Hold your memories close. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending hugs your way. Love you all.
Debbie, We were so sorry to hear this news and are praying for you and the family. We enjoyed so much our time we spent with you on our Prague to Paris trip……We are blessed to have known Jeff. God bless you and keep you….Dawn and Pete
Dear Jessica and Mike and family
So sorry to hear of your great loss, Mary Lou and I extened or regreats and sympathy to you and your family. John and Mary Lou Walling
My deepest sympathy to the entire family. I knew Jeff from our days at Hoechst Celanese and all of the other names that the company changed to over the years. I worked for him and with him. We ran conferences for the IT folks and often had to travel together to select conference sites. I’ll never forget one trip where the back door of the plane popped open. We had to make an emergency landing in Norfolk. I swore that I would not get back on the plane. Jeff convinced me that it would be OK and he was right. He had a way of making the most difficult times better. I last heard from Jeff in April but he never hinted that he was ill. I am so shocked by his passing. He will always be a friend to me and to those he worked with.
It’s coming up on a year since you crossed over and I can only imagine the love fest that greeted you on the other side. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of you and how grateful I am to have had you as my father and friend. Your legacy lives on through all of the lives you touched. Love you Pop!