Jeff was a business associate whom I considered a friend.  The bulk of our conversations were spent on a wide range of topics.  He had a genuine decency and positivity that I both admired and envied.  I wish there were more Jeff's in this world.    

Jeff was a student of mine at Livorno American High School.  The picture I paint of Jeff is respectful, kind, considerate, polite, intelligent, well spoken, focused.  Jeff was an excellent athlete.  As basketball coach it was Livorno's loss and Flegler's gain the day his departure was announced.  No surprise to me that he was a D1 athlete.  It has been said that the character of a person can be seen in his children.  I'm certain that Jeff's legacy will continue with his daughters.  My condolences to Jeff's wife and daughters.  May a smile hug your hearts at this difficult time as every memory is a gift.

I met Jeff when I was a graduate student working on the GeoMax project, and he was starting at Gainesvile Regional Utilities. Our paths crossed many times in life after that, as I was instrumental in hiring Jeff to work for GeoFocus, ObjectiveFM, and many years later at Northrop Grumman.  By chance, we ended up having Gator Football season tickets on the same row, only ten yards away from each other, so that we would lean back in our seats and wave or communicate by sign language (raising a drink).  Later in life, my son (who by chance has the same birthday as Jeff-- Jan 19) and I would surf at Flagler Pier and then cruise by Jeff’s beach house to see if he was there and raise a beer.  We always had great laughs together and we shared a sense of humor that seemed to be a contest to see who could make the other laugh more or longer, whether it was travelling on business to Navy installations or travelling on pleasure to watch the Gators in the Sugar Bowl.  Best game ever was in 1995 when we went to watch the Gators beat the Bulldogs in Athens for a 52-17 win (pic is from that game).  I will miss him dearly and only wish there were more people like Jeff in the world.  My deepest sympathies to his wife, children, and everyone whose life he blessed.
-Dave Costakis

I met Jeff about 25 years ago in Gainesville through a mutual friend and liked him immediately. He always had such a big smile and was so welcoming. I would go years without seeing him when I moved away to Tampa but would occasionally stop by when I was in town for a game and he always greeted me with a big smile and a cold beer. You will be greatly missed Jeff!

Jeff left us way too soon.  I so enjoyed getting to see Jeff at the Livorno American High School reunion in Clearwater in 2012 after so many years.  He always had a smile on his face.  Always very polite and kind.  Was a great athlete in high school.  I am so saddened by this news and sad for his family.  There are no words to describe the sudden loss of such a great human being.  Condolences to the families and close friends.  May God give you strength during this difficult time.  Savela

I knew Jeff through work at Withlacoochee River Electric. My condolences...I met Jeff many years ago and we stayed in touch and remembered each other well for some reason. I repected Jeff and enjoyed my time with Jeff. I am now retired as of April 27, 2018 and will miss seeing Jeff and his name. 

Jeff loved many things, sports, the beach, golf, and his daughters. I was fortunate enough to have spent time with him doing that. I think the time that exemplified this best was playing golf on a volleyball trip to watch our daughters compete. Another parent had rented a set of left handed clubs but being right handed it was immediately apparent to Jeff how ineffective that would be. Instead of just pointing out the error, Jeff set up a wager, regarding our friends ability to clear the water immediately in front of the first tee. That was Jeff. Picking up on the obvious before it was obvious, and then having a good laugh about it, with everyone else. I’ll miss this giant of a man.

OBITUARY

Jeffrey Thomas Carnes

January 19, 1958 – June 28, 2018

Craig Flagler Palms Funeral Home & Flagler Memorial Gardens

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