Jeffrey Burton Dallas

Jeffrey B. Dallas, 52, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 surrounded by family members. Jeff is survived by his wife, Karen; daughters, Jasmine Barth (Jacob) and Mariah Ferry (Nick); mother, Marjorie; "mom" Shirley Ellis; brothers, John and Jason (Cheryl); sisters, Joy Eshelman (Mark) and Jeanne Ayler; "sister" and co-caretaker, Donna Ellis; furry children, Jettie and Kee Wee; his brothers and sisters at the USMA at West Point; and his brothers and sisters at the Ohio Highway Patrol. He was preceded in death by his best buddy and furry son Poncho three years to the day earlier. Jeff was born March 23, 1963 in Ft. Hood, Texas. He grew up an "Army Brat" until his family settled in Fairborn, OH in 1975. Jeff graduated from Park Hills High School in 1981 where he excelled in academics and athletics. Jeff began his career with the Army in 1981 when he was accepted to the United States Military Academy at West Point. After West Point, he spent the next eight years serving his country as an Army Officer, including in Desert Storm. Jeff served in the Reserves and the Individual Ready Reserves until 2004 when he left the Army as a Major. In 1993, Jeff joined the Ohio Highway Patrol where he served until his death. He was most recently stationed as a Sergeant with the Granville Post in Licking County. Jeff was an avid runner. He completed one marathon (which he said he would never do again), several half marathons, and many other 10 milers and 10k's. He was also a life-long learner completing his MBA with a Finance concentration from Wright State University in 2003. Jeff's favorite past time was reading. He loved books! The only time he had a look of fear or panic on his face was when he misplaced his Kindle. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ohio Highway Patrol Academy, 740 E. 17th Ave., Columbus, OH 43211. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the OSP Auxiliary or Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Central Ohio.