Jeff was my first friend when I moved to Houston in 1977.  The "back wall" in 500 Gulf Building, anchored by Jeff on the corner, was the center of positivity.  We'd play bridge with Norman Nolan and Jay Jones in the back of the #70 University bus on our way to work and then wish each other a great day.  He always returned on a later bus, I am certain.  He was always there for me with kindness and genuineness.  His wonderful bride, Kathy, always added a spark when we'd do things together, and my heart aches for her and the family.  Today in church I mentioned to a Locke Lord partner that today was Jeff's dad's birthday, and he broke the news to me that Jeff had died.   He will be so deeply missed and remembered with such admiration and appreciation for the many gifts with which he graced all of our lives.  Jeff, big words fail me.  Quite simply I loved you and miss you.

In awe of the life, so well lived by Jeff and gobsmacked with a deep sadness  by his passing. 

Jeff was truly a remarkable human being. 

He stood above others with a genuine  humility.

Some of my fondest memories  were mere chance meetings while in route somewhere in the downtown Houston tunnels between Texas Commerce Bank and  the Texas Commerce Tower.

Jeff could see over most in the crowded passageways. When he made eye contact he would be smiling with that trademark gleam in his eyes. You knew he was up to something.

A  firm handshake and a few kind  words from Jeff always followed. 

Shortly after meeting Jeff on a deal his firm documented for us, we had the first of many of these impromptu subterranean downtown encounters.

I forget exactly what Jeff said, but do recall not understanding several of the words. 

Fortunately, context was my friend. 

I do recall responding: "Jeff, either you are going to have to pitch a little lower or I am going to need a bigger glove."

We both shared a good, honest laugh.

Will miss Jeff, but will never forget him.

Great man.

P.S. Full disclosure. I learned the word "Gobsmacked" from Jeff.

To the Love family,

I echo a lot of the words already written - there will truly never be another like Jeff.  He had a gift for always making the conversation he was having with you feel truly important, and his caring and compassion for all could not be matched.  This is a loss in every sense of the word and I feel blessed that my path crossed with his.  

The O'Brien family

Dear family of Jeff Love,

My deepest condolences to all of you.  I knew Jeff for 47 years at Locke Lord.  I started there one month before he did.  I retired 3 weeks ago and he spoke at my retirement party. I was so honored!  I will always treasure that video.  Before the party, he was asking me specific questions about my years at Locke Lord, and I asked him how long he intended to work there and he told me 50 years.  I so wish he could have made it and so many more years.  He was always so generous and kind to everyone.  He was truly one of a kind and he'll be missed.  May God be with all of you and comfort you.

Virginia Lawrence

Dear Family,
I'm so heartbroken over your loss.  Mr.Love,was the kindest and most sincere person I've ever met.  I feel so blessed to  have known him for 36 years at Locke Lord.  I'm so grateful to have attended many Astro games in his family seats. Another fun perk was getting a Starbucks coffee of my choice once a week. I'll always cherish his kindness and generosity.  What a huge heart.  He will be forever missed .
 
Warmest Condolences,
Cheryl Farr

Jeff was an extraordinary gentleman.  We will never forget his generosity and kindness he showed to Kelly .   He was an amazing person and we are glad we got to know him.  He truly changed our life and we are eternally grateful. Our thoughts prayers and sympathy are with the entire family.     He will never be forgotten

While I try and wrap my head around a Houston without Jeff Love I am flooded with memories I have of my interactions with him over the 30+ years I had the honor of knowing him. He is unforgettable, a person that, if you are lucky, you will meet once or twice in a lifetime. His family was first and foremost and there was never any doubt. His charm and gentlemanly nature was infectious and I was a better person in his presence. 
God speed Jeff, heaven just gained a true spirit.

Really sad to hear this news.  The community has lost a titan, and his absence will be felt -- but oh so grateful to have been a small part of his universe.  Ultimate life enhancer really does describe his affinity for meaningful engagement across so much of his public and private life.  You've acquitted yourself so well in this life and have indeed enhanced the lives of so many others along the way.  Godspeed Jeff~

Kathy and Family:
You lost a great family man, husband,  father and baseball player.
Thinking of you and family,
Deepest Sympathies,
Scott and Cindy Benson

Dear Kathy and family.  I’m speechless, and heartbroken for you and Houston.   A one of a kind.   There’ll never be another Jeff.  He always was so kind to me whether we were in black tie at a fundraiser or at a winding down at the Pin Oak horse show.   He will be missed. We had just chatted via LinkedIn on his Locke Lord longevity.    Prayers of healing.  Lynda Transier.

Kathy,

My heart is breaking for you and your family.  Jeff was one of the nicest human beings I have ever known.  Even after I left Locke Lord, I would always get an email from Jeff on my birthday.  He touched so many lives in so many ways.  In my case, he made a huge impact on my professional life in bringing me to Liddell Sapp back in 1984, but that pales in comparison with what his friendship meant to me.  I will miss him greatly.

With sincerest condolences,
Hal Watson

Mr. Love made such an impact on the lives of so many people, including mine.  He was always there for me and my family when needed.  He was the most attentive, caring, kindest and generous person, friend and boss – there will never again be anyone like Mr. Love.  I am forever thankful that I had the opportunity to know and work with him.  My thoughts and prayers remain with the Love Family.

Debbie Carter

My deepest condolences, my thoughts and prayers are with his family. 
Jaime Vergara

My introduction to Jeff Love was memorable. It was a fractious meeting, I knew no one there, but a thin, tall gentleman used his humor and kind intelligence to allow competing interests to be heard patiently and with civility.  I found him to be a great ally and I often thought his humor was his greatest tool -- so clever, quick-witted, gracious and never mean. It was a short association, solely through his role in the Swedish community in Houston, but he was unforgettable. My most sincere condolences to the family on the loss of such a wonderful man.

This is the message that was sent to our classmates when we heard Jeff had become a Memorial Mustang Angel...

Dear 1967 Mustangs,

We lost a dear friend and classmate.   Jeff B. Love passed to life eternal on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, while in his home in Houston.  Please see below the information regarding the Memorial Service for Jeff as well as the websites that pay tribute to him.  Please share this sad news with others who may not receive emails.

To our Class of 1967 with love,
Mary Ann Savage Fletcher

I have received numerous emails from our classmates who have shared their sadness at his passing and have given their love, friendship, and condolences.  Rest in Peace, Jeff.

 

                            



1967, Memorial HS                    2023

Please see:

https://www.lockelord.com/newsandevents/news/2023/11/in-memoriam-remembering-jeff-love

and from https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/houstonchronicle/name/jeff-love-obituary?id=53497955

Kathy, 

Both Kim and my thoughts and prayers are with you.  Jeff was absolutely one of the nicest gentlemen I knew in the business world.  He never missed a holiday or a family event to reach out to me with a kind word.  And his interest was also so genuine in wanting to know how my daughters were doing and ho we were.  He will be missed by many.  

Bruce and Kim Williamson

Jeff created wonderful memories which  come to me and probably many others as I feel the loss of a true friend.  Three Masters trips which I can enjoy anew as I review the photo albums Jeff prepared for us.  As young professionals Jeff and I had great times chasing new clients together for Peat Marwick and Liddell Sapp.  Jeff passed on a client to me against who I later had to testify on behalf of Charlie Sapp.  I will always be thankful for Jeff's introduction to Scott Hunsaker.  Jeff included me in a golf outing in Santa Fe which provided me a wonderful reunion with many old friends.  Our families celebrated Clint and Benton's birthdays together as they were in early May.  I'm sure many more memories will come to comfort me as I begin to miss Jeff.  I wish Kathy, Benton and  Elizabeth every comfort from one another and friends in this time of loss.

Dear Kathy and entire Love family,
Marla and I send our condolences to you all following Jeff's passing. I knew Jeff for most of my life, as well as Julie and their dad Ben. What an epic family!There was never a time that I ran into Jeff  that his million mega-watt smile wasn't on display and he unfailingly asked about our children and patiently listened when I responded, usually at great length. I always felt that was ok, because Jeff was as proud and complimentary of all of you as I am of my own family. He knew that our son became a Phi Delta Theta at SMU, and asked about him each time I saw him, since the fraternity they shared was so important in his own life.  We received a hand written note on every wedding anniversary we have celebrated, and we have been married for forty years! We will miss that kind remembrance every March. Jeff's seemingly photographic mind and mastery of the English language were awe inspiring, as were his commitments to his many passions. What a great loss to you and to the community in general. Please accept our prayers for all of you in the times ahead. 
Sincerely,
Tolar Hamblen

Jeff always remembered our birthdays and his Christmas Card was always the first of the season to arrive.  He made everyone feel special.  While he will be sorely missed he will live on, not only in the hearts of the Love family, but in the hearts of all who knew him.  The City of Houston will not be the same without him.

I am so sorry to hear of Jeff's early and surprising demise.  Yet, he lived life to its fullest, achieving his goals in academics, career, philanthropy and family.  It is difficult to balance all of that.  He  lived long enough to contribute greatly to society and to be honored many times for his charitable efforts.  He lived to see that his efforts were appreciated by others.  That is quite a blessing.  I loved the humor found in the obituary, speaking of his spartan diet, fear of too much sun, love of the English language, and his management of the details of birthdates and such.  He would have liked reading that.  Yet, what I found to be most admirable about Jeff  (as was mentioned in the obituary) was his ability to listen to others and make them feel important while with him.  He will be missed.  My thoughts are with Kathy, the children and grandchildren while they adjust to life without such an admirable and loving man.

Jeff Love was certainly a fine example of the quintessential gentleman. We were neighbors of the Love family for many year and always enjoyed seeing sweet Kathy walking by our home with their aptly named dog, Kisser.  It was always great to run into Jeff because of his big smile and upbeat demeanor.  Our conversations often started by his mentioning the fraternity that I was a member of at the University of Texas and then he would shower me with compliments as well as recount positive accomplishments of our children!  How could you not love a guy like that?  Jeff always peppered our talks with words that I had no clue what they meant.  I thought he was just attempting to further my vocabulary!  Jeff was remarkably talented in so many ways.  I am sure that his father was exceedingly proud of him.  We lost you way too soon big guy!     Jim Easterling

Jeff Love was certainly a fine example of the quintessential gentleman.  We were neighbors of the Love family for many years and always enjoyed seeing sweet Kathy walking by our home with their aptly named dog Kisser.  It was always great to run into Jeff because of his big wide smile and upbeat demeanor. Our conversations often started by his mentioning the fraternity that I was a member of at the University of Texas and then he would shower me with compliments as well as recount positive accomplishments of our children! How could you not love a guy like that ?  Jeff always peppered our talks with words that I had no clue what they meant. I  thought he was just attempting to further my vocabulary!  Jeff was remarkably talented in so many ways.  I am sure that his father was exceedingly proud of him. Jeff was loved by so many people.  We lost you way too soon big guy.
Jim Easterling

The Phi Beta Kappa Association of Greater Houston honored Jeff Love in 2011. Jeff was smart, attentive, and keenly interested in others. He enlivened and encouraged family members, friends, and fresh acquaintances alike. He was a tremendous supporter of excellence and achievement generally and of Phi Beta Kappa in particular.  The world needs more human beings like Jeff B. Love.

Sending sincere condolences to the Love family. Jeff and his son Benton were among the kindest and most intuitive people I interacted with at The Kinkaid School.

I was so saddened to learn of Jeff's passing.  It is amazing how many memories still hold strong from our days at Memorial High.  I have donated in his memory at the Boys and Girls Club.  My thoughts are with his family and his many friends.

Wendy Adair

From our family to yours, your father , husband, grandfather epitomized hospitality and kindness to us when it was our job to offer it to him. He will go down in history as the worlds greatest guest along with his wife Kathy in our book. 
Coyote cafe & Santacafe

Although I had known Jeff my entire life, he really stepped up for me when I moved back to Houston during my divorce trial. I’m not sure how he convinced his partners to hire me, but Jeff offered me a spot at Liddell Sapp. He was sure to check on my progress in settling in. Jeff, you saved my life. Thank you for so many kindnesses extended over so many years. MHJ

I’m going to miss Mr. Love’s  charming soft tone of speaking.  I just was telling friends this summer how Mr.Love speaks to people,  he made you feel listened to. He had an uncanny way of making you feel as if what you were saying mattered.  Mr. Love was truly a kind man, who will me so missed. It brings a smile to my face to think about how many photos he must of taken with those disposable cameras over the years. Kathy and family please know you are in my thoughts and prays.
Rest Easy Mr. Love , Godspeed 
Sarah

Jeff was my godfather. He was a remarkable man of many accomplishments and great generosity, whom I admired greatly. 

He remembered my birthday and sent a thoughtful note and gift every year without fail. His words moved me when he affectionately referred to me as his "Prized Goddaughter." He supported my career with words of encouragement and donated to charities that I volunteered for over the years. I'm blessed to have had him in my corner for the past 41 years.

Psalm 30:5 Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

Let us all rejoice in celebrating Jeff Love's Legacy!

Love,
Tatiana Ridley

what a great man. i will forever remember his mastery of the english dictionary and sweet temperament. so sorry to lose him so young.

For years whether at Post Oak Little League or the fields at Kinkaid, Mr. Love was always the first person to come up and give a kind word (often a very large /complicated word that I didn't always know the meaning of but could garner the intention from his kind smile). I think the size and generosity of his heart was only matched by the amplitude of his vocabulary. My Dad wasn't able to make a lot of my games, so it might sound trivial, but it did mean a lot to always have Mr. Love's support & kind words at those games. Now being a father myself and experiencing the competition of The Baseball Dad's in a whole new light, I truly wish there were more Mr. Love's out there on the field (the world would be a better place). 

I grew up with Benton, did years and years of carpool and Kinkaid with him. He was and is a good friend. When applying for college, I applied to Vanderbilt. While on a visit there to check out the school, Mr. Love arranged a meeting with the head baseball coach who sung Mr. Love's prowess not only as a human being but also as a baseball player himself. I thought I had a shot at playing baseball at Vanderbilt based on the head coach "wanting" to meet with me on my visit, but after watching one of their games, I quickly realized I had no shot of playing there & I'm sure the baseball coach's "desire" to meet with me was more as a favor to Mr. Love. I don't know if it was a rumor or if it was true, but I always heard Mr. Love was drafted by the Yankees, which was always something much talked about by the boys on the field. 

After college, I moved back to Houston, & Mr. Love helped me find my first job. Again, just like the baseball meeting, I think I probably would not have gotten the interview without Mr. Love's support. I think what speaks to Mr. Love's true generosity the most is, when I decided to leave that job and move to California to pursue a different career, Mr. Love still stayed in touch and always gave his positive unwavering support.

Jeff will always hold a special position of honor and friendship in the Buckwalter Family. He was by my side from the day we moved to Houston over 33 years ago. He was always there for his Godson, William as well as his brother Robert and sister Katherine. God Bless you my dear friend and may you rest in peace in the Kingdom of Heaven.  Alan

Working across the street from the law firm at the Houston Chronicle on Texas Ave.  for so many years, my interactions with Jeff were numerous and always a highlight of my day.  Words….especially big words….cannot truly describe this unique and caring man.  You had to engage him.  We will miss him so much.

Jack & Ellie Sweeney

There has never been anyone like Jeff and never will be. He was just simply an amazingly thoughtful and kind person. Everyone’s friend and alway remembered birthdays and other special occasions. We will all miss him terribly. God Bless Jeff, Kathy, and family. Wendy and Bill Chiles

Mr. Love was an extraordinary person. He treated all of Lizzie’s friends like family. He gave me my first job out of college at Locke Lord as the Assistant Director of Marketing when they had not yet formally hired a Director.  When I asked him specifically what I should be doing, he assured me that I would do a fantastic job and the Firm was lucky to have me! Then, he sent me on my way! I worked at Locke for five years and couldn’t have loved my time there any more. We all learned a tremendous amount from him. I remember Mr. Love advising Summer Associates to respond to every phone call or email by close of business that day. It was good advice! There are many things that I admire about Mr. Love, but my favorites are his positivity and enthusiasm. I can’t think of a better way to live one’s life. I’m grateful to have known him.

One of a kind would be an understatement. I had the good fortune to meet Jeff and become his roommate during  his “gap year” between Vanderbilt and UT Law. He became a de facto member of our fraternity - Sigma Alpha Epsilon.  The way Jeff handled himself was inspirational. He has always treated everyone with kindness and respect.  He was always there as a friend and business allay when needed. From golf at River oaks to Astros games, spending time together always memorable. A tear rolled down my cheek when I heard the news. I turned off my phone, closed my office door and remembered great experiences. That hour made me thank the stars for having known Jeff, his parents and siblings, Kathy and the kids. He truly enriched my life. We will miss him.

The Patrinely family is deeply saddened by the news of Jeff's untimely passing. He was a remarkably gifted human being, truly a Renaissance man who cared intensely for his family, friends and anyone he could help. May the Lord watch over him and his family for eternity.

Kathy and family,

We love you and will miss Jeff forever.

Hugs

Dear Kathy,

I am shocked, saddened and so deeply sorry for your loss. Jeff's death is a loss for you, your family and the community. The obituary captures him perfectly. I have so many happy memories of you and Jeff and all of us at the beach in Galveston when the kids were young. I will always remember him as that young man. Please know I am thinking of you and am here to support you in any way that I can. 

With much love,
Jo Sandlin

OBITUARY

Jeff B. Love

October 4, 1949 – October 31, 2023

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