Jeffrey Arthur Bishop

Jeff was someone who loved life and was never afraid to have a good time. The youngest of three children of Bud and Ellen Bishop, Jeff made an impact on those around him. From birth, he formed a close bond with his older brother Lewis. Although nearly 14 years separated them, the two bonded as Lew made sure to look out for his younger brother -- whether it was Lew jumping into a lake fully-clothed to grab 4-year old Jeff after Jeff fell into a lake, or later on as Jeff’s condition worsened, the bond never stopped. Jeff even lived with Lew and his wife Marieda for a spell as a teenager, where he also became close to Lew and Marieda’s three children.

As a child, Jeff enjoyed spending time in the family pool with his older sister Paula. When he wasn’t doing that, he was playing guitar for the family; one of his favorites to perform was Roger Miller’s “King of the Road.”

In 1975, Jeff met Jean Clark and had two children, Jeffrey Jr. (1976) and Matthew (1986). After their divorce in 1991, Jeff started dating Joanne Jiles. Their relationship quickly picked up steam and they married in 1994. Through thick and thin, the two never tired of each other’s presence. Whether it was their morning chats over a pot (or two) of coffee in the living room, sitting together on the deck, listening to music and enjoying a glass of wine, or the many trips to Au Gres, they lived for each other.

Jeff valued Joanne’s two daughters, Jennifer and Jessica. Jeff loved them as his own and was honored and privileged to walk Jessica down the aisle at her wedding in 2013.

Jeff was the type of father who believed strongly in his children doing the right thing and wasn’t afraid to hold you to account.

Jeff also forged an extremely special relationship with Joanne’s father Max. The two bonded over many things – a good drink, pool, golf, and of course, their love for Joanne. Max was always there for Jeff and Jeff looked at him as a father figure.

Jeff always had a love of music. Whether it was carefully listening to his brother Lew’s records as a child or playing the guitar with his son Jeff Jr., there were few things Jeff loved more than a cold beverage and music.

When he wasn’t listening to or playing music, Jeff had a competitive side. He earned many trophies as a bowler. He greatly enjoyed playing baseball as a child (and could still throw a knuckleball even at 66 years old) and picked up the game of golf from his father and played for many years. In fact, one time while golfing with Matt, Jeff left him slack-jawed after making a long shot from about 100 yards away. “Your old man’s still got it,” he said, laughing.

For as talented as he was bowling or golfing, Jeff exceled on the felt of the pool table. He picked up the game at a young age, mastering his craft as a teenager at the Berkley Pool Hall and locations around Oakland and Macomb counties. One of Jeff’s great pleasures later in life was being in a pool league with his son Jeff Jr., and his former brother-in-law and friend Joe Clark. One time, at Jeff Jr’s birthday party, one of Junior’s friends thought he could take on Jeff in pool. Well, he was wrong. Jeff beat him two straight times and the friend never even got to take a shot.

Jeff shared his love of both the Tigers and Red Wings with his sons. In fact, the times Jeff and Matt disturbed the house in excitement after a Red Wings goal is too many to count.

We will never forget Jeff’s many impressions – some of which were good, some of which, let’s say, could still use some work. No matter what, though, Jeff could always make you laugh.

Jeff is survived by his wife Joanne, sons Jeffrey Jr. (Dana) and Matthew (Veronica), daughters Jennifer (Todd) and Jessica (Andrew), along with seven grandchildren – Jayden, Lindsey, Julia, Reese, Roman, Finn and Nolan – along with his brother Lewis (Marieda) and sister Paula. He is preceded in death by his parents Bud and Ellen, and granddaughter Josephine.

A memorial visitation for Jeffrey will be held Sunday, April 23, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Kaul Funeral Home, 28433 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores, Michigan 48081, followed by a family lead eulogy and sharing at 1:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kaul-fh.com for the Bishop family.