Jeffery Jim Modaff

Jeff was born in Long Beach, CA as the 2nd youngest of six children. His family moved around but landed in Jacksonville in time for Jeff to attend and graduate from Bishop Kenny High School. He obtained a degree in marketing from California Lutheran University and spent most of his career in the food industry.

Jeff had a hunger for life, which was convenient because he loved to eat especially lasagna and Baskin Robbins (had to be Baskin Robbins!) chocolate chip ice cream. He loved to travel and was an avid fisherman. The last two trips he took were a trip to Hawaii with his wife, Shelley, where he proudly caught a 170 lb tuna, and a fishing trip to Oklahoma with his oldest friend, guitar buddy and recording partner, Art Mory. Jeff was a self-taught musician, lyricist and mediocre vocalist who played guitar and saxophone. He also considered himself a great golfer and has a high school trophy to prove it. In his daily life he was a loving and attentive husband and proud father and grandfather who was a pretty decent cook and baker, less decent handyman and teller of fine, albeit corny jokes.

He is survived by his wife, Shelley, his three children, Jeff, Laurie & Shelby, and his granddaughters, Annabella and Abigail. Additionally, he is survived by his brother, James, and his four sisters, Kathy, Mary, Beth and Margaret. He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Theresa Modaff, and his father-in-law, Shelby Jacobs.

Jeff’s final wishes were to be laid to rest in his favorite fishing place, the Brazos River, in northern New Mexico. A private gathering of family and friends is planned for November 11, 2023.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgmandarin.com for the Modaff family.