Jeffrey Glenn Presseau

He is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years Christy, his daughter Alexis Presseau Maloof (Zachary) and grandsons Louis and Felix of Peoria, IL; and daughter Cecilia Presseau (Jamie Fairley) of Chesterfield, VA. He is also survived by his father Rev. Dr. Jack Presseau and wife Jane of Flat Rock, NC; mother Gail Hutchinson of Henderson, NC; sisters Dr. Susan Presseau (Tony Goudy) of Vienna, WV, Cara Presseau (Judith Ryan) of Cambridge, MA; Dr. Suzanne Smith (Wayne) of Clinton, SC; and nine nieces and nephews.

Jeff was born in Elmira, NY on July 22, 1959 and after living in Pittsburgh, PA for several years, his family moved to Clinton, SC. He grew up enjoying reading, skateboarding, and exploring outside. In high school, he was on the track team, percussionist in the band and the Carolina Youth Symphony (Greenville), and, of course, was the drummer in a rock band he helped to form.

After high school he moved to Kiawah Island where he worked just enough to be able to surf and sail. While there, he met his wife Christy and they were married the next year before he turned 21. Their long marriage of 41 years was a lovely adventure.

Jeff received his first degree in Graphic Design and his first job was as the photographer for Professional Advertising Inc. in Bluefield, WV. While there, he completed training in Authorware, which led to his passion for using technology and led to new professional opportunities.

During his time in WV, the family grew to include two daughters. He enjoyed building outdoor playsets, taking them on hikes and birdwatching, and sharing his favorite music and books. His role as “Poppa” to his grandsons was a particular joy to him and he loved taking them on nature walks and building Lego. His love of family and his commitment to his children were defining characteristics throughout his life.

Along the way, Jeff’s faith background as the “son of a preacher man” in the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) and his love for God and the church became his priority. He was an ordained deacon and elder and he served as Clerk of Session. He was heavily involved in various areas of the church throughout his lifetime, including teaching and leading worship and music teams.

Jeff moved the family to the Midwest in 1995, where he worked for United Airlines in the suburbs of Chicago. After 10 years in the cold, the family headed to Richmond, VA, where he worked for a series of big companies, mostly in leadership and talent development, and spent time working in Germany. He was a Senior Human Resources Management Consultant in the Human Resource Department for the Commonwealth of Virginia at the time of his diagnosis in 2019.

Jeff's sense of civic duty led him to be involved in volunteer work throughout his life wherever he lived. He joined the Jaycees and later in life became an Officer of Elections, among many other roles.

Jeff was self taught and a consummate learner. He continued his love of learning by obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree, then Master’s, and at long last, a Doctorate in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. He was a great observer of people and the world around him, making him a thoughtful and caring advisor, mentor and colleague.

As a lifelong learner, he pursued and excelled at many interests, including ham radio, sailing, scuba diving, technology, birdwatching, gardening, traveling, reading, photography, and eventually picking up his drumsticks again to play the drums and handbells in church. His avid curiosity was contagious and he shared and cultivated his love of art, music, and nature with his family and friends. All these things were a nourishment to him throughout his life. His happy places included being on the water and outside exploring nature, especially with his family and grandchildren. He enjoyed seeing some of his favorite authors' work showing up on the big screen, like that of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Issac Asimov.

He will be remembered for his intelligence, curiosity, patience, and wit; his love of God and family; and his kindness.

A memorial service will be held March 5th, 11:00 am at New Hanover Presbyterian Church in Mechanicsville, VA with a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family would gratefully welcome donations in Jeff’s name to New Hanover Presbyterian Church (10058 Chamberlayne Drive, Mechanicsville VA, 23116), noting the Jeff Presseau Memorial Fund.