Jeffrey A. Dixon

Jeffrey “Jeff” Augustus Dixon was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on March 1st, 1984. After moving as a wee tot to the west coast, Jeff grew up in Portland, Oregon where sports and the outdoors shaped his passions. Following high school, Jeff took these passions to college where he attended Rider University on academic and swimming scholarships. While there, Jeff gained lifelong friends and an obsession for the Rangers and the Yankees. After two years at Rider, Jeff moved into New York City. Time and circumstances brought another coastal switch, this time to finish school at Portland State, earning dual bachelor’s degrees in marketing and advertising.

While succeeding academically, this was the beginning of a truly dark period in Jeff's life. Consumed by addictions to drugs and alcohol, his life spiraled out of control, burning nearly every bridge he had and eventually becoming homeless. That bridge between God and Jeff never failed though, and He provided the way for Jeff to begin his long climb of recovery and reconciliation.

Having been successful in treatment, Jeff once again made another bold move in returning to Omaha in March of 2018. Within a few days of landing, he met and fell in love with Ely. She quickly became Jeff's strongest supporter and motivator. Her unyielding love gave him the confidence to continue his climb as well as for his toughest battles that were just around the corner.

In 2020 Jeff fell seriously ill with Covid. The virus wreaked havoc in Jeff's body allowing multiple infections to attack different parts of his body, the most serious was one that landed on his heart. After weeks in the ICU and while still battling the virus, Jeff had his first open-heart surgery, quickly followed by a second one.

Jeff again faced quite a climb to recovery. Standing beside him, sometimes pulling him along, Ely fought for him and would not let him give up. Together they continued his journey of physical and mental healing. During this time Jeff re-connected with God and began daily studies, often over a morning phone call with his mom.

It was looking as though Jeff had climbed another hill, but in February of this year an erratic heart rhythm led to the discovery of yet another infection on his heart. After unsuccessful attempts to remove it with medication, a third open heart surgery was performed on March 27th. So much healthier this time around, most likely due to the love, support, and great cooking he had been getting, his post-op recovery was going great. Jeff bounced back seemingly stronger than he had been in years, enjoying a renewed life and looking forward to a future that didn't seem possible that long ago.

Then, on Saturday, April 15th, 2023, Jeff made his final move, changing his address one last time to Heaven. While enjoying a winning Yankees game, Jeff's heart suddenly stopped. Ely and others immediately performed CPR and he was taken by ambulance to Mercy Hospital. The staff worked for over an hour, trying to bring him back but were unable to get any response from him. …….and just like that, Jesus called Jeff home.

Jeff left us surrounded by people he loved, while surrounded by people who loved him. He left having built so many new bridges and having repaired so many more. He was only able to do this by the love of God and the love given to him by others.

Jeff is survived by the love of his life, Elizabeth “Ely” Gonzalez, daughters Esperanza ‘Pera” Gonzalez and Elizabeth “China” Gonzalez, and son Josue Gonzalez; Mother-in-Law, Yolanda Vargas, all of Omaha; mother, Shirley Garrett of Oregon City, Oregon; father Richard “Dick” Dixon of Oregon City, Oregon; Grandmother; Helen Dixon of Oregon City, Oregon; brother Brian Dixon of Omaha; sisters Carrie Dixon (Derrick Jarrad) of Oregon City, Oregon, and Alannah Martin of Omaha.

Jeff is also survived by his nieces, Chloe & Leah Dixon, his nephews, Johan and Alex, all of Omaha. Jeff’s Aunts and Uncles: Connie Vargas, Omaha; Gloria Garcia, Daytona Beach, Florida; James Garrett, Lincoln; Darrell Dixon, Oregon City, Oregon; Aida Vargas, Mexico; Louise & Mark Gray, Wayne, Pennsylvania; Dorothy Condreay, Lincoln; Manuel Vargas, Mexico; Lorretta “Rett” Pratt, Portland, Oregon; Roberta “Bert” & John Meschke, Broken Bow; Russell Dixon, Oregon City, Oregon; Javier Vargus, San Antonio, Texas; Donald & Jackie Garrett, Des Moines, Iowa; Douglas Dixon, San Jose’, California; and Wayne & Kim Garrett, Grand Island, Nebraska; Michelle & Jeroen Van Der Gaag, Omaha; Gabriela “Gaby” Garfias, Omaha. And all of Jeff’s loving and supportive Cousins, and Friends from all over the world.

A memorial service for Jeffrey will be held Friday, April 21, 2023 at 3:00 PM at Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home, 5701 Center Street, Omaha, Nebraska 68106.

If you have photos or memories you would like to share with Jeff's family, please send them to picsofjeff2023@icloud.com