Jeffrey Doyle Jones

Jeff was born to Jimmy and Elaine Steffek Jones on May 22, 1974, in Houston, Texas. Joining his sister Shelley, born 3 years prior, he completed his little family. Jeff was a happy, adventurous child, always with a bright smile, mischievous and curious. He loved the outdoors from a young age, and kept wonderful memories of his travels with his family throughout his life. He was an adoring son to his parents, spending some of his happiest times running the roads with his best friend, his daddy. He loved spending time with his mother, laughing with her and making sure she was taken care of. He drove his sister nuts, as little brothers do, but he loved and looked up to her, and they shared a tightly woven bond throughout their lives.

Jeff met the love of his life, Misty, when they were 17, and from then on, they never left each other's side. They had a beautiful daughter, Savannah, in 1995, married in 1996, and celebrated 25 years of marriage in Mexico in October of 2021. Jeff planned a surprise vow renewal and shocked Misty with it on their trip, giving her the gorgeous wedding rings he had always promised her. Their friends and family knew about it, and to Jeff's amazement, were able to keep the secret! His pride was overwhelming and a joy to experience.

Jeff never met a stranger. He was the true example of always leaving someone happier than he found them. He was the brightest of lights, the life of the party. His laughter and beautiful smile was contagious, and always present. If he had a bad day, you rarely knew it. He was accepting of everyone, understanding, supportive, and was the most wonderful listener. He could be counted on for a joke, a cold beer, a shoulder to lean on, a ride in the woods, a gourmet meal that you'd never forget. He took pride in taking care of the people he loved, most especially his wife.

Jeff was a lover of the water and the woods. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and his best days were spent outdoors, doing what he loved. He firmly believed that the woods and the water could cure just about anything that ailed you. Feeling down? Go outside. Feeling stressed? Get in the woods. Need some peace? Go to the water. Drop a line. Sit on a porch and listen to some music. Cook something delicious. He believed in letting Mother Nature speak to and guide you. His favorite times were when he was joined by friends and family outdoors, to fish, hunt, sit around a fire, and just visit and enjoy each other. To absolutely no one's surprise, some moonshine or Paul "May-son!" would sometimes show up on these visits. You would find yourself drinking it, even if you thought you didn't want to. He'd hold out a bottle, that smile on his face, his eyes shining with laughter, and he'd just look at you until you took it. And everyone did. Jeff loved to cook for and feed his friends and family, and was always planning his next menu.

He loved a party, loved to travel, genuinely loved people, and was a planner like no one else. There was a reason he was given the nickname "Activities Director" many years ago! He lived for a good time, for both himself and others. Jeff was blessed to have so many special friends with whom he shared so many of those good times, many that were in his life for twenty years or more. But whether you were his friend for a day or for decades, once he knew he loved you, you were his forever.

The world is a much poorer place without Jeff in it, and it always will be. But everyone that knew Jeff is so blessed to have had such an amazing person touch their lives in some way. He will always be with us, until we see him again. And we will.

Jeff is survived by his love of thirty years, his wife Misty, and their beautiful daughter Savannah. He is also survived by his mother, Elaine Jones, his parents-in-law Jimmy and Pam Swafford and Gus and Donna Fress, his brothers-in-law Tommy Thompson and wife Natalee, Jared Swafford and wife Erica, and David Grayson and wife Brianna, aunts Terrie Cook and Carol Martin, and his nieces Bailee and Brooke Stokes, Makayla and Hannah Thompson, Allyson and Reese Grayson, and nephew Caleb Grayson.

He is also survived by his friends that became family, countless people that were such a part of the fabric of his life - most especially Wyatt and Liz Robertson, Derek and Kelsi Kenney, and Kevin and Charity Kinzie.

Our family would like to recognize and honor Jeff's best friend and cousin, and brothers, Scott Williams and Michael Murphy. Scott and Michael were by his side for most of his life, and were with Misty every step of the way as she said "see you later" to her best friend.

Preceding Jeff in death and enjoying the most beautiful reunion we could ever imagine are his beloved father Jimmy Jones and his sister Shelley Jones Stokes.

To honor Jeff is to live as he did: big.

Love your life. Love your people. Show compassion and love to everyone around you. Count your blessings and pay them forward. Go outdoors and find your peace, your center. And maybe, every so often, take a sip of moonshine.

A celebration of Jeff's amazing life will be held on Saturday, June 18, at noon, at Forest Park Lawndale. Following the service, an escorted procession will travel to the Fountainblu Event Center, located at 6327 Spencer Highway, in Pasadena, where we will host a reception for and continued celebration of Jeff and his life.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestParkLawndaleFH.com for the Jones family.