Jeffrey "Jeff" Van Winkle

We mourn the loss of an incredible husband, father, son, brother, and friend. Jeff lived a life marked by kindness, strength, and laughter. His compassion, integrity, and unwavering love for his family left an impact that will never fade.

Jeff was born on October 9th, 1973, in Syracuse, New York, to George and Alanna (Case) Van Winkle. While attending Western New Mexico University, he met the love of his life, Sarah, who would become his wife and best friend for 28 wonderful years. Together, they raised two beautiful daughters, Taylor and Hannah, who were his pride and joy.

Jeff earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and went on to serve 22 distinguished years in the Arizona Corrections System. Starting as a prison guard, his leadership, integrity, and work ethic led him to become a Warden, a role in which he was admired and respected by many. After retirement, Jeff continued to lead and mentor others through his work at NaphCare, embodying professionalism, empathy, and strength.

A lifelong athlete and competitor, Jeff’s love of sports ran deep. As the starting catcher for the 1990 Magdalena, NM baseball team, he helped bring home the school’s first-ever state championship in any sport. He went on to play college football for both Highlands University and Western New Mexico University. Later in life, he remained a loyal fan of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Arizona Diamondbacks but nothing compared to his love for watching his daughters play volleyball.

Jeff cherished the simple joys in life: playing cards or games with family, spending weekends at the cabin, riding the side-by-side, and taking motorcycle road trips with friends. His quick wit, sense of humor, and warm personality made him someone people gravitated toward, he could make anyone feel like family.

He will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Sarah; his daughters, Taylor and Hannah; his parents, George and Alanna Van Winkle; his brother, Chris Van Winkle (Tina); his sister, Lynette Garcia (Adrian); and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who became family.

Jeff’s legacy of love, loyalty, and laughter will live on in all who knew him. His memory will forever be cherished, and his presence will be deeply missed.

A celebration of life will be held at The Legion Post 35 on November 1st from 1:00pm - 3:00pm to honor Jeff’s incredible life and the many lives he touched.