On August 6, 2008, a hero passed away. After a courageous 6 year battle with cancer, surrounded by those he loved, Kevin B. Jeffs returned to his tender Father in Heaven. He was an exemplary man who touched all those with whom he came in contact. We lost a wonderful husband, son, brother, uncle and friend.
Kevin was born June 15, 1979 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was the fifth of seven children born to Ivan and Rulene Jeffs. He graduated from Kearns High School where he participated in choir and competed on the swim team. He served honorably as an LDS missionary in the Monterey North, Mexico mission where he was able to share his love of the gospel. While attending BYU, he met and fell in love with his wife, Tera Lynn Jackson, and they were married on August 28, 2003. Kevin graduated, receiving his Bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University, and his Masters of Mechanical Engineering from the Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering (BYU). Kevin was working for Reaction Engineering International at the time of his passing. Beyond formal education, Kevin strived to grow through his passion for learning, both secular and spiritual.
Kevin is survived by his loving wife, Tera Jackson Jeffs, his parents, Ivan & Rulene Jeffs, and siblings Rick (Charity), Brett, Wendy (Brian), Kelly (Ed), Amy (Kyle), and Sarah (Lee), many of which were with him when he passed away.
This great man will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. Kevin was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He had strong faith in a wise Father in Heaven who knows what is best. In spite of all of his trials, Kevin sought to bring love, light, faith and hope to more people than ever imagined. His life was an active expression of his faith in the Savior, Jesus Christ. He was optimistic, loved life, and wanted others to enjoy the same. He found joy in being around family, playing with his dog, singing and listening to music, and creating happy memories. Life was never put on hold because of cancer as he continued to work, play, live, and learn up to the day that he passed on.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at the LDS Chapel located at 1125 W. 300 N., Lehi, UT 84043. A viewing will be held before the funeral from 9:30-10:30 am. A memorial fund has been setup and donations will be received at any America First Credit Union under the name of Kevin Jeffs.
21 comments:
Very well put, Tera. Kevin was an amazing person, we will sure miss him! YOU are amazing too, we love you so much!!
Tera- I am sorry to hear about Kevin. You and the family will be in our thoughts and prayers. I am sad I won't be in town Saturday to make it to the funeral. I just want you to know I have always admired your strength. Kevin's life has touched many for good. God Bless. Hillary Paulsen
Kevin was an excellent example of how a person should conduct their lives, even through great and difficult trials. I'm sorry that he is gone and I will miss him badly. God be thanked that we can be with him again after the day of this life. We're here to support you in any way we can, Tera.
My name is Alan Paul, I knew Kevin through Madrigals (High School Choir)& water polo. My favorite memory with Kevin was when we were in the same group to go to jr. Prom and we needed money so we went to the airport with rolls of toilet paper and sold it squares at a time for whatever change people could give us. We would sing and dance or do acrobatics or just be crazy to get it and though I don't remember the exact amount of money we raised it was like $300 in a couple hours(a lot back then).It pretty much paid for the whole dance for all of us and it was so much fun (I married my date). He was very smart and helped me with school work a few times, he was always focused on the important things and was not as easily distracted. I have not seen Kevin since his wedding reception but but for him we "need not fear death" He was a great influence on me and all of us that knew him I will always cherish his friendship.
Tera, My heart goes out to you and both families. I am so glad that we got to visit you guys and go to the movie a couple of weeks ago. Jason will be there on Saturday. I am unable to make it with him cause I am heading down to a family reunion on Friday. I want you to know that you are in our prayers. May God comfort you and your families during this time of need.
Tera...you were my RA at Nauvoo House at Ricks...I am SO sorry to hear of your husband's passing. What a beautiful spirit he has that must have been needed elsewhere. I know it is hard being left behind, but you have such wonderful support from family, friends, and this beautiful Church. Please know that you and your husband's family are in my thoughts and prayers! Isn't it amazing to know that when you see him next, he'll be healthy and not suffering!! :) God bless old friend!
I love you Tera!!
Tera: Allison and I were very saddened to hear of your husband's passing. Sometimes trying to understand the plan that our Heavenly Father has for us, is difficult and painful when viewed through earthly eyes. Try and turn your thoughts over to Him during this time. Also know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I love the toilet paper at the airport story. I don't remember hearing it before. Here's another memory of Kevin. He and Tera came to visit us a few months before they were married. We were living in Lafayette, Indiana at the time in our newly built home on 10 acres. We played capture the flag, hiked the creek and enjoyed the tree frogs that hung out on our house in the evenings. Kevin enjoyed them so much that he decided to take three frogs home as pets. He proceeded to figure out how to fly home to Utah with them (sticking them in his pocket at one point). He got them home, set up quite a tank for them, and kept them for several years. We'd always ask for a report on Shadrack, Meshack and Abindigo whenever we spoke with Kevin on the phone(though I understand they were renamed Fat Brother, Skinny Brother and Crazy Brother). Kevin was a great man, a wonderful friend, loving brother and amazing uncle.
Kevin is my hero. There was never a better example of strength, courage, faith, and hope. Amazingly, Kevin was my strength through his battle with cancer. He continues to be. We all can certainly learn how to live a Christ-like life by looking at Kevin.
When someone passes away from canncer, we often hear people say "so and so lost their battle with cancer...". Not for one second have I ever thought that Kevin lost any kind of battle. I believe he won this battle. He endured this trial with amazing faith and he will have his reward.
We love you, Kevin. We miss you, Kevin. You will always be a part of our lives.
Me, MaKayla and McKenzie are sooo sad to hear of your loss. You are in our prayers. Please take care of yourself, you are such a strong person. We love you!
My thoughts and prayers are with you, you both are amazing people!
You do not know me yet but my daughter Jesslyn will be in your 3rd grade class this year. I was so deeply saddened by the letter we received from Anne-Marie Harrison. I wanted to let you know that you and your family will be in our prayers and we are so so sorry. May God be with you!
Thank you all for your love and support. It means more to me than you know!
Tera, I am so sorry to hear about kevin. He relly was an amzing man her alsways had this glow to him and you could tell that he loved you very much. our prayers are with you and your family. please let me know if their is anything I can do for you. we love you and are here for you.
I love you Tera!!!!
Tera, although we don't know each other very well, you have both been in our prayers for quite some time. I am so sorry to hear about Kevin. We love you.
Nate and I are praying for you too, Tera.
tera- im the neighbor that drives by and waives, i never really got to know you or kevin and i feel really bad for that.... the funeral services where very nice.. i learned alot about kevin in just 2 hours .. what a inspiring man ... did alot in his short life on earth.. please let me know if i can do anything ....:]
Tera, you don't know me. I grew up with Kevin. He was always in my church classes from as early as I can remember. He was always a great example to everyone, even at a very young age. He was also in many of my school classes from elementary through high school. I was so disappointed I couldn't make it to his funeral because I have always admired him. I am sorry for your loss. Kevin is an amazing person. Britta (Pace) Nunley
Tera, I was a friend of kevin's his freshman year at BYU- I just wanted to say that he was such a GREAT guy!! Seriously, probably one of the nicest guys that I met in our ward! You had a great husband and I'm really sad to see him go so soon and hear how much suffering and pain he was in. May the Lord be with you in your time of need. Just wanted to say, I'm sorry and that Kevin was seriously AMAZING! You were lucky to get to spend so much time with him. I loved the light he always had in his eye and his bright character & smiley face that he had all the time! God bless! (Jenny was the friend)
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