Jeffrey "Jeff" Michael Pangborn

Jeffrey “Jeff” Michael Pangborn, age 33, of Westerville passed away unexpectedly at Mt. Carmel St. Ann’s hospital on Friday, April 26, 2024, after a brief illness. His sudden and unimaginable absence has left his family and friends heartbroken. Jeff was born on February 25, 1991, beloved son of Michael and Theresa Pangborn. He is survived by his parents; sister, Michaela; brother, Corey (Lindsay); and nieces, Laurel and Hazel and many aunts, uncles, cousins and a wide network of friends. Affectionately known as “Bigfoot” or "Bigs" thanks to his size 17 shoes, he towered over almost everyone at 6’8” and ducking through doorways was second nature to him. As a child, Jeff was a ball of energy and loved being a goof but always had a sweet, compassionate side. Jeff graduated from St. Francis DeSales High School and Northwest Career Center in 2009.

Jeff’s love of cars and photography began in childhood, using disposable cameras to photograph toy cars, and evolved into a successful venture as an automotive photographer in his adult life. In the process, Jeff became a well-known and irreplaceable figure in the local racing community in Central / Northeast Ohio and elsewhere. Jeff was also a long-time employee at Photographic Techniques in Grandview, which often served as a place for his friends to meet up and do "car stuff" in their off time, and where he became close with the Snider family, Ken, Delores, Matt, Kelly and Presley. Jeff has been on countless road trips - whether it was to shoot an event, to help someone that was in trouble, or just to enjoy the ride with friends. He particularly enjoyed riding the "Tail of the Dragon" in the Great Smoky Mountains, which he did at least once a year, including the final time in April 2024 with several of his close friends. Jeff also enjoyed relaxing at Wolf Run Farms in Warsaw, OH with his best canine friend Chewy, riding dirt bikes and enjoying nature.

Jeff was thoughtful, generous, helpful, hard-working and humble, rarely seeking attention for himself. He was a true gentleman who loved his family and friends and would go out of his way to help anyone he loved. While his time on earth was limited, his legacy and memory will live on within the people whose lives he touched. Whether it's through fond memories from childhood, memories from his many adventures, car or camera advice he shared, or that perfect shot of someone's pride and joy on race day hanging in their garage for years to come, Jeff's memory will live on.

Visitation will be on Friday, May 10th from 4:00-7:00 pm at Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services by Schoedinger – North, 5554 Karl Rd, Columbus, OH 43229.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CHA Animal Shelter in Jeff’s name https://chaanimalshelter.org/memorial-gifts/.