Jeff Johnston Stiles

Jeff Stiles, 59, of Madison Heights, Virginia, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. Born September 7, 1966, in Plainfield, NJ. Jeff lived a life marked by deep faith in God, tireless community involvement, creative expression, and a profound love for the simple joys of life. 


At age 17, Jeff survived a severe traumatic brain injury in a car accident in 1983 that left him with lifelong challenges, including cognitive impairment, short-term memory difficulties, and epilepsy. Despite these obstacles, he refused to let them define him. He pursued education at North Carolina State University (political science) and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies from Emmaus Bible College (1990), reflecting his lifelong devotion to God and Scripture. Jeff’s creative spirit shone through his passionate love for music and photography. He loved hearing live music especially, and playing his harmonica. He had a deep love for nature and yard work, finding peace and purpose in picking up litter along the roadways and caring for outdoor spaces. He also cherished historic buildings and homes, drawn to their stories and craftsmanship. For a few years, he lived at Richard’s House Bed and Breakfast in Dubuque, where he shared time and friendship with Dave and Michelle Smith, creating cherished memories in that welcoming, historic setting.

Jeff loved writing articles and columns, including personal essays about raising his daughter, Aletheia, published in the Telegraph Herald newspaper of Dubuque—pieces that captured the everyday joys, challenges, and love of family life. 
Jeff’s faith in God was the cornerstone of his life. He enjoyed attending Arbor Oaks Bible Chapel in Dubuque, Iowa, and later faithfully attended Madison Heights Baptist Church in Madison Heights, Virginia, every Sunday. He loved singing in the congregation, finding great joy and peace in those shared moments of praise.

Early in his career, Jeff worked as a Youth Care Worker at Hillcrest Family Services (1990–1992), supervising male adolescents in a group home for kids with behavioral disorders. This role reflected his compassion and desire to help young people navigate challenges. In 1988, while still in college, he founded The NOIZE Magazine, a publication he grew from a small newsletter into a full-cover tabloid supported by national record labels. It featured album reviews, concert coverage, and interviews with emerging artists, and for nearly 30 years he contributed articles and sponsored/hosted concerts featuring local, national, and international bands. He also owned Lighthouse Productions of Dubuque (1993–2000), providing mobile DJ services for weddings, school dances, and events, where he brought joy through music and captured countless moments with his camera.

His career also spanned publishing and community leadership. He served as Director of Publications at Emmaus Bible College (1992–1996), and Editorial Director at Your Weekender newspaper of Grant County Wisconsin (2002–2007), a job he absolutely loved. He was a columnist for Dubuque365.com, and contributor to DJ Times magazine of New York. Jeff held leadership roles including Vice-Chairman and member of the Dubuque Area Old House Enthusiasts, Chairman of the Dubuque Zoning Advisory Commission (1992–2011), member of the Dubuque Transit Commission, and President of the Dubuque Noon Optimist Club (1996-1997). He was known for his fairness, knowledge, professionalism, and a love for the city and community of Dubuque Iowa—qualities that earned him respect across the city. 
 
From 2008 to 2010, Jeff served as Curator of the Warehouse Art Gallery in Dubuque’s Historic Millwork District. The gallery was formed in a vacant warehouse space as a consignment gallery to promote emerging artists, featuring photographers, painters, muralists, sculptors, and specialists in various mediums until the space was converted to residential and commercial use. 
 
Above all, Jeff cherished spending time with his grandkids—playing, sharing stories, and simply being present in their lives. These moments of connection were among his greatest joys.

He is preceded in death by his father, Dr. Gerald Stiles of Ferrum, VA.

He is survived by his mother, Judith Stiles of Ferrum, VA, daughter and son-in-law Joseph and Aletheia Backs of Madison Heights, VA. Five grandchildren, Kai Backs, Weston Backs, Gabriel Backs, Nova Backs, and Avangeline Backs of Madison Heights, VA, sister Rebecca (Perry) Krahn of Griffin, GA, brother John (Donika) Stiles of Statesville, NC, and brother Ben (Wynter Morgan) Stiles of Roanoke, VA. 


A memorial service will be held at Madison Heights Baptist church, date to be determined, and a private family burial on the family land in Ferrum, VA, date to be determined. 
Jeff lived with creativity, quiet faith, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of the world around him—whether in nature, historic homes, music, photography, worship, or the laughter of his grandkids. He is now at peace in the presence of the God he loved and served. 
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Madison Heights Baptist Church with Pastor Josh officiating.

There will be a private family burial on their family land at another date.

The family encourages guests to wear bright, colorful clothes or a colorful pin to Jeff’s service.

Anyone wishing to make memorials in Jeff’s memory is encouraged to donate to Jeff’s GoFundMe by clicking the link https://gofund.me/e720d08c6 to assist his family during this time, or to Madison Heights Baptist Church, 329 Main Street, Madison Heights, VA 24572.