Born February 22, 1955, in Rochester Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Wilbur Nathan and Betty Rose Ingram Phelps. He was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Phelps McPherson. He made his mark with his quick wit and his musical talent. Jeff excelled academically with a special knack for math, science, and music.
Jeff graduated from Rochester Area High School and completed his post-secondary studies at Lincoln University (BA, Physics) and Penn State University (BS Nuclear Engineering). Jeff later earned his Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. His professional career spanned the fields of energy and finance: Partner-Portfolio Manager at Avalon Investment and Advisory (2007-2021); Executive Vice President-Director of Equity Investments at Smith Graham & Co (2002-2006); Vice President-Fund/Portfolio Manager at JP Morgan Chase (1997-2002); Consulting Engineer Centerpoint Energy (HL&P; Reliant Energy) (1981-1997).
A gifted musician, Jeff loved his music, wrote songs, and produced four albums over the years. Jeff was an avid runner, motorcyclist, lifelong Steelers fan, basketball enthusiast, and was deeply committed to supporting the community through nonprofit and charitable organizations. He was a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Devoted to his family, Jeff is survived by his loving wife, Paula Phelps; his beloved children, Heather Phelps and Jonathan (Cindy) Phelps; his siblings Vedoster “Spike” (Regenia) Ingram, Janet Guyden, Sherry (Kirk) Vital, Anita (Alvin) Crowder, Robert (Cacie) Phelps, brother-in-law Randall McPherson, mother-in-law Mrs. Jeri Tallon, and many loving relatives and friends. The family would like to thank cousins Dr. and Mrs. Steven Thomas for their support during this time.
A memorial service is scheduled for 11:00 am on September 25, 2021 at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home in Bellaire, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, Jeff’s family requests that donations be made in his name to one or both of the following organizations: Yellowstone Academy (yellowstoneacademy.org), 3000 Trulley St, Houston, TX 77004 and the National Kidney Foundation (www.kidney.org/donation) , 30 East 33rd St, New York, NY 10016
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18