He saved my grandsons life..without him I would not have my grandson .. thank you is not enough. You will always be in my heart ❤️

Dr Christian was one of the nicest and most compassionate people you would ever meet. He was a great physician and a wonderful person.
His passing away so soon is a tragedy. He will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Gogi Kumar
Dayton Children's Hospital

I hold Jeff in the highest esteem as a tireless and skilled surgeon and a compassionate and kind human being.  He was loved by all who knew him and will be sorely missed.  My deepest sympathies to his entire family, several of whom gave such moving tributes at his funeral today. 

Jeff was a friend, a colleague, and an example of what a man and physician is called to be and do. With him as a friend and partner, we touched the lives of many newborns that were critically ill. We had an unspoken bond. My son-in-law rotated with him during his surgical residency. He has never forgotten that time and informed me that Jeff was instrumental in his life. Only our Lord knows the depth and breath of those he touched. Marc Belcastro 

My deepest condolences to the family of Dr. Christian.  It was a privilege to work along side him in the OR.  He loved being a surgeon and his pediatric patients.  That  was evident when he went to visit his patients in the pre-op area. His face would light up as he interacted with them.  The kindness that he showed when working with new orientees was greatly appreciated by the staff.
From time to time, I would see a bird in my backyard that I did not recognize.  When I described it to Dr. Christian, he quickly would pull a picture up on his phone and tell me about it.  I always enjoyed hearing about his trips with his wife, and getting updates on his daughters.
He was one of a kind, and Dayton Children's was blessed to have had him as a part of their staff.

I knew Jeff since kindergarten. Growing up, our families spent more weekends camping together more than I could count. He was a quiet but fierce competitor. One of the smartest guys I've known. He usually didn't say much, so when he did speak people would listen. We'll miss his impish smile and quick wit. So sad he had to leave us. Sympathy to all of his family in this time of great loss. Jeff Bonsteel

Jeff Bonsteel

Dr. Christian was the perfect example of grace, gentleness and kindness. Working with him for 16 years, I truly learned the incredible surgeon and great human he was. I will forever cherish hearing the stories of his family trips, his bird watching and how proud he was of his daughters. He left such an impression on so so many and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to be impacted by his legacy. My deepest condolences to the entire Christian family, may you feel comforted in the days to come. 

Dr. Christian is not just a colleague, but a friend.  He has been an advisor, a mentor, and a friend to me.  He helped me through some very difficult times in my life.  I owe him a huge debt of gratitude.  My sympathy to his family and his friends, of which there are so many, and to all of us who will miss him dearly.  

The world has lost, but  will never forget this pillar of our community. In my times of need he brought me clarity and expertise that saved so many at the times most perilous to them ,AND with such aplomb, dignity and humbleness. The word No or Can’t didn’t exist in his vocabulary. He maintained an inquisitive attitude so characteristic of thoughtful and great physicians.His smile and presence could light up a room, settle the anxious and direct a course acceptable to all. He will be missed but never forgotten. 

Jeff was an incredibly skilled  surgeon and his patients were in good hands . 
I saw a comment on his ping pong skills. I played volleyball with Jeff for 25 years and can attest to his competitive abilities on the court as well.
My sympathies to his family on their loss.

Dr. Christian was a very kind, warm-hearted person and a very talented surgeon.  He treated ALL staff and employees at DCH with GREAT respect, no matter what their position was.  You could tell he had a caring heart and truly loved what he did, he will be greatly missed for sure.  My condolences to Julie and the rest of the family,




Jeff was a tenacious yet humble competitor on the ping pong table….his tactics rivaled Sun Tzu, allowing him to frequently enjoy the upper hand!  We enjoyed epic matches over the years….filled with laughs, amazing shots, broken paddles, great conversation and plenty of sweat…..hope heaven has a table for you Jeff!

Thanks for the memories….


JRW

Horrific ALS devastates. Yet Jeff not once displayed devastation.  He. Was. Courageous. Jeff’s quiet winsome spirit was always up lifting, before and after his perilous diagnosis. Moreover, Dr Jeff always embodied excellence in his decades of pediatric surgery.  His practice embodied humility and confidence to a perfect balance. Absolutely Superb Doc! We sure will miss Jeff, who now can speak freely again in the hereafter! God bless Jeff and all his family. They remain in our prayers. 

- Dr Wm and Mrs Deb McCullough 

My deepest condolences to the family of Dr. Christian. I worked with him in the Operating Room for 16 years and when assigned to his room, you knew it was going to be a good day. He was always patient, soft-spoken yet very funny, and a fantastic surgeon. Even having worked with him for so many years, when my daughter had to have surgery with him, he was incredibly professional and provided the utmost exceptional care to her, as he did to all of his patients and families.  It was always enjoyable listening to his stories about his birdwatching trips. His love for Chuck Norris jokes was always amusing too! He was a truly genuine, kind human being who will be greatly missed in the DCH community. I am so sorry for your tremendous loss❤️

I had the pleasure of working with DR. Christian for 7 years. He was always so patient for everyone. He was kind, quiet, never angry and never boastful. Every child was treated with such compassion from the tiniest premise to the simplest office procedures. His smile was infectious and he will be greatly missed. I am so sorry for your loss. 

Jeff was just a wonderful, caring, skilled man and surgeon.  Dayton Children’s and our community were so fortunate to have Jeff here to care for our children all these years.  He was quiet but always had a smile for you and he was always looking out for what was best for others, especially his patients.   I was blessed to have known and worked with Jeff and will miss him.  We are both left handers and Jeff once gave me his 3 wood.  I still use it and am happy to have it as a reminder of Jeff.  

Jeff was one of the finest people and finest surgeons I have ever worked with in my forty years in pediatrics. He was a wonderful colleague and friend and his work with the countless patients I sent him was always amazing. Families in the Dayton region were greatly benefited by the incredibly skilled and kind work of this physician. He has left a hole in my heart and the hearts of countless families in Dayton. 

I worked with Dr Christian for fourteen years at Dayton Children’s as a surgical nurse. He was a great man and a skilled and compassionate surgeon. I don’t think I ever saw him get mad, even once during all my time working with him. His daughter Claire was also a wonderful young woman as I worked with her for a couple summers when she helped us out. That says a lot about him as well. I am so sorry for Claire and the rest of his family for losing such a honorable man way too soon. Please accept my thoughts and prayers as you are grieving such a loss.  Christi Mazzone, RN, BSN

Dr Christian was one of the smartest, kindest, and gentlest souls. I'm so sad to think of his family without him - you're all in my prayers.

Partner and friend.   There are few who can display kindness and professional talent. Jeff was part of this select group. I will miss him. 

Jeff and I were classmates at Wright State School of Medicine. He was so kind and a gentleman. He was even then a mentor to me in the anatomy lab - even then he knew he’d go in to surgery.  

So sorry for your loss.  He was a great surgeon but even a better man.    I worked with in the physician group and I always enjoyed our talks.

Alice Ingold-Leethy.

OBITUARY

Jeffrey S. Christian, M.D.

July 24, 1957 – July 31, 2023

Tobias Funeral Home - Beavercreek Chapel

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