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In Memory

Jeffrey Reed Stevenson

Jeff was born Sept. 16, 1943, in Buffalo, N.Y., the son of Ronald and Cecilia Grimm Stevenson. After a valiant fight against leukemia, he passed away on Thursday, March 8, 2007 in Champaign, Illinois and was buried at Danville National Cemetery, Danville, Illinois.

Jeff married Ellen Jungling on April 24, 1971 in Alexandria, La. and they had two daughters, Ginny (Greg) Mendoza of Round Lake Beach and Patricia (Jerry) Brown of Warrenville; six grandchildren, Alex Brown, Damion Brown, Adrianna Mendoza, Cross Mendoza, Dalten Mendoza and Morgan Brown; and numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Jeff graduated from Colgate University in New York and joined the Air Force as a fighter pilot. He flew F-100s in Vietnam and retired from active duty after 20 years of service. He was co-owner of Leisure Time Pet and Hobby in Champaign until his retirement in 2005.

Jeff was president and very active in the Abe Lincoln Miata Club. He also enjoyed autocross with the Champaign County Sports Car Club. He was a member of the Military Officers Association of America and had numerous other interests, including gardening, family, fishing and quilting.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Skip and Buddy, and a sister, Margaret McGraw.


Dear Ellen,

We came to know Jeff as a man who loved his wife and his little car. We had great laughs during our trip to PA and really enjoyed swapping Air Force war stories with a little sip of wine. Jeff embodied greatness with a humble demeanor. He displayed strength but not without compassion. He exhibited confidence but not without concern. He garnered our respect in the simplest of ways and Cyndy and I will always admire both him and his accomplishments.

Jeff was a remarkable man and may he find equally extraordinary peace on his journey home. The best testament to a life well lived is leaving behind an example that others seek to attain. Jeff did just that. May comfort come with the knowledge that he will continue to live on in the stories of his children, the laughter of his grandchildren, the dedication of his friends, and the legacy of his family.

Our deepest heartfelt sympathy is extended during this time of immeasurable loss.

David & Cyndy (Arnold, MO)

Dear Ellen & Family,

Dan and I wish to extend our sincere sympathy. You are in our thoughts and prayers. I will always remember Jeff's smile. We will miss him terribly. Ours lives are better because we knew Jeff.

We send our love.

Karen & Dan (Decatur, IL)

Ellen,

We are so very sorry to hear the news about Jeff. He was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.

We will keep your family in our prayers.

Doug and Pamela (Petersburg, IL)

Dear Ellen and Family,

Please accept our sympathy at your loss of Jeff. We never saw him without that big smile on his face. It was obvious how much he loved all of you. He will be missed!

You are all in our prayers.

Donna & Rich (Taylorville, IL)

Dear Ellen,

Jerry and I are so sorry to hear about Jeff. We really miss seeing you at the Miata events and meetings.

We will keep you in our prayers and thoughts.

Jerry and Fred (Arthur, IL)

Ellen,

Our hearts go out to you. We so enjoyed BOTH of you and looked forward to more "Miata Time" together and Don especially was looking forward to learning more about the Autocross that Jeff had told him about. We know these are difficult days, but we hope you know you are enveloped in the arms of friends.

Don and Rhonda (Mt. Zion, IL)

Dear Ellen, Ginny & Pat,

The one thing you can be sure of is how much Jeff loved you all. Having watched him with you when the girls were little, it was obvious that his world revolved around you all. I am sorry that we did not all get together over these past years as I always assumed and hoped would happen. Jeff's grin and that twinkle in his eye surely lives on in his grandchildren.

We are so sorry for your loss and that of all who knew him.

Kathy & Bob (Seattle, WA)

Dear Ellen and family

So many fond memories of Jeff, you, and the girls. Jeff was an extra special friend - a man full of compassion and love for his family and his country. It is hard to believe the years have passed so fast.

Lots of Love

Frank & June (Gallatin, TN)