Jeffrey Merwin Heller

Jeffrey Merwin Heller of Dallas, Texas, passed away at his home on January 8, 2019. He is survived by Carol Franklin Heller, his wife of 55 years; his daughter, Debbie Heller Myers, also of Dallas; his brothers, John and wife, Marshall Heller of Cary, NC; Tom and Shelia Heller of Rockwall; sister, Beth Avery of Round Rock; sister in-law, Joan and AJ Phipps of Houston; daughter in-law, Kristi Heller Green and husband, Dennis of Denver; grandsons, Austin Heller and his wife Kathryn of Dallas and Denver; Brandon Heller of Denver and Ford Myers of Dallas. Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Martha and Merwin Heller of Tyler; son, Jeffrey Scott Heller of Dallas; his in-laws, Gerry and “B” Franklin of Baytown and brother in-law, Charles Avery of Round Rock. Growing up in Tyler with his fun- loving family and friends, the Hoot Owl Creek Gang and Razzers, Jeff had many exciting adventures. The Heller kids, Jeff, Mutt, Poo, and Beth, were known throughout Tyler. Jeff’s interest in sports participation began early, competing in swimming at age eight at Camp Longhorn under the influence of legendary Tex Robertson. His sports abilities seemed unlimited. In addition to winning state finals in swimming, he also lettered in football and basketball. Success in sports led Jeff to a four year swimming scholarship to the University of Texas in Austin under the leadership of Hank Chapman. He was conference champion in several events and made All American in 1958 and 1959. At UT he was active in the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity, leading to lifelong friendships. In 1960, Jeff joined the United States Marine Corps where he trained in the naval base at Pensacola, Florida, earning his wings and was commissioned in 1963. Although assigned to Cherry Point, NC, he served in Japan and Okinawa before beginning his tour of duty in Vietnam in 1964 and 1965. In addition to his carrier-based flying missions, he helped found the Officers Club in Da Nang, Vietnam, and was promoted to first lieutenant and captain during this period. After five years as a Marine, Jeff returned to UT and earned a BBA before joining EDS and Ross Perot in Dallas, Texas, in 1968. Jeff helped to develop new EDS offices in Pennsylvania, California, New York, Massachusetts, Iowa, Indiana, and Minnesota. After his work in New York with the financial brokerage business, Jeff took over leadership of EDS’ National Medicare and Medicaid sections in Dallas. In 1984, General Motors partnered with EDS to combine their data processing systems. Jeff was commissioned to smooth the transition. By 1991, EDS began doing business in Asia as Japan-American, which became Jeff’s responsibility. Jeff served as Chairman of this independent company. After serving as Chairman of EDS Australia, Jeff became President and Chief Operating Officer of EDS in 1996, when he became Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors. In 2002, Jeff retired, but was called back and remained in that leadership role until “retiring” again in 2008. The relationships that were formed during his time at EDS were as close as family. During his retirement, Jeff officed at MHT Partners, a business investment company where he enjoyed close relationships with young business professionals. During and after his active business years, Jeff served as a board member for a spectrum of companies including Mutual of Omaha, Temple Inland, Trammel Crow, Unigraphics, Westcott Communications and Hitachi Data Systems. Beyond his business leadership, he also served as a Trustee of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, the Southwest Medical Foundation, and served his church on both the Pastor Parish Committee and the Finance Committee. Very active as a University of Texas Alumni, Jeff was awarded as a Distinguished Graduate of the University of Texas. He served on the UT President’s Research Council, the Littlefield Society, the McComb School of Business Board, and the Chancellors Council. He was Chair of both the Longhorn Foundation and the UT Engineering Foundation. He was active in the Cotton Bowl Association. Jeff was elected to the UT Hall of Honor and served as Chairman, and was also President of the “T” Association. While serving in the Marines, Jeff married Carol Franklin in 1963, who he met at The University of Texas. Together they had two children, Jeffrey Scott Heller and Debbie Ann Heller. Carol and Jeff made Dallas their home for many years. They enjoyed traveling and attending sporting and cultural events together. Jeff always found time in his life to actively pursue golf, fishing, hunting and skiing. Some of this activity took him to very interesting parts of the world. He was active in a large number of Dallas organizations, University of Texas, and professional organizations, almost always in a leadership role. He was an active member of Dallas Country Club, Dallas Petroleum Club, Northwood Club, University of Texas Golf Club, and Beaver Creek Club. He enjoyed time spent on the golf course with friends, especially with the Oilees. With all of Jeff’s accomplishments, he’s mostly remembered for his love for his friends and family. At the top of the list was his love for his wife, Carol. They were a team and enjoyed doing many things together. They had wonderful trips to various parts of the world. They treasured time spent with the family. Scott and Debbie enjoyed a special relationship with their father, including playing sports, traveling and attending Texas and Cowboy games. Precious time was devoted to their grandchildren, Austin, Brandon, and Ford. Jeff served as a role model and hero to his grandchildren. Whether it was on the ski slopes or teaching them to play poker, Jeff took individual time with each grandson. A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held on January 17th at 1:00 pm at Highland Park United Methodist Church, 3300 Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, Texas, 75205. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be directed to the charity of your choice.