There are no words for how much Jeeves is missed.   No one I have ever met could bring a lightness to any situation.  

These two years have gone by at an agonizingly slow pace--missing him.

Gone but not forgotten. Forever in our hearts.

Missing Jeff today on this very sad anniversary.  We all love and miss him so much.  It has been the longest and the shortest year of my life.  Just wish I could hold him one more time.

While he’s been in my life for over 15 years, giving Jeff an official title and define our relationship has always been difficult for me. Friend, uncle, dad, stepfather, confidant, boss, grandpa to my boys. Family rings the most true. He was the steady source, one of the ones I could always count on. See while he was an expert procrastinator for all things for himself; whenever I or anyone else needed help he would always rise to the occasion. He could be counted on with action or words. Whatever was needed. He was a man of his word. 

I’m going to miss his easy sense of humor, bottomless knowledge of trivia, realist advice and steady presence in my life. I will miss our Sunday phone calls about life, food, work, and stories from the week. I will miss telling him all the small silly stories about my sons. He wanted to know everything no matter how small, big, disgusting or silly about my boys. Just today Keegan had a “thinking fart” and I immediately thought how funny Jeff would think that was. 

My mom told me that Jeff said I was the most difficult to gain trust. It made me think about why. How did he gain my trust? One thought continues to resonate - he tried to love my mom as much as I do. He wanted to be my moms partner in all ways. In fact that’s how I always described him to others - my moms life partner. 

He is in my heart forever, and I know he passed on knowing how loved he is. So incredibly thankful for his constant presence in my family’s life. Jeeves, I will miss you in all the small and big moments. May you Rest in Peace.

cont...

how to find humor even in the most heavy subjects, and how to be more understanding and unconditionally loving. 
 
One Father's Day a few years ago, I felt compelled to give Jeff a Father's Day card. He wasn't my dad, nor my stepdad at the time, but his presence in my life was so impactful that I coined the term "Non-dad" for him. It might not make sense to most people, but it was my endearing nickname for him to let him know how much he meant to me and how deeply I loved him. His existence on Earth has profoundly impacted my life, leaving me forever changed.

I began this by speaking of a man searching for his home, and in our family, Jeff found his forever home. 

Jeff leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and wisdom that will continue to guide us through the rest of our lives. No words can adequately express how greatly he will be missed, but let us take solace in the cherished memories we hold, the lessons he taught us, and the love he shared so generously. 

I love you eternally, Jeeves. Rest in peace. Cheers to Jeeves.

I’d like to say a few words about Jeff. “Jeeves” as he was affectionately known. Jeeves lived all over the country. He lived in North Carolina, Vermont, California, New York and Georgia, he was a bit of a nomad in that way, on a journey to find where he would settle, his place, his home. Lucky for us, he eventually found sanctuary in South Florida.

Jeff was hardworking, he enjoyed being productive and honing his craft - whether it was meat cutting, preparing tax returns or one of his many hobbies. After work, you could often find him cracking jokes and sipping a cocktail at a local watering hole. I am sure many of you were fortunate enough to partake with him at one time or another. 
 
I met Jeff at the Waterway Café when I was 25 years old. My mom introduced me to her new friend, and initially, I was a tiny bit skeptical. However, my skepticism evaporated within about 2.5 seconds of chatting with him. As Jeff's effortless charisma and sincere kindness became apparent, my guard immediately came down.
 
I quickly developed a deep fondness and reverence for Jeff. He was such an authentic human being, radiating a lightness in his energy that could brighten anyone's day. 

Jeff embodied a unique blend of blue-collar charm and high-brow intellect. He was an avid reader, a human encyclopedia of history and sports knowledge, a masterful woodworker, a music lover, and a brilliant chess player, those among many of his other interests and talents. Yet, he was so much more than that; he was a loyal friend and partner, a devoted family man, a wise counselor, a really fun and interesting guy but, most importantly, a sweet, kind, gentle soul.
 
Though not my biological father, Jeff played a significant role as a father figure and a strong male role model in my life. Through the years, he became my biggest cheerleader. He gave me unwavering comfort and support through my life’s many ups and downs. He taught me how to become a better listener, cont... 

Celeste, Sending prayers and love for a peace that passes all understanding.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Celeste and family in these difficult time. 
Jackie, Kristi and I met Celeste and Jeff in the summer of 2016, when we were looking for a CPA firm to transition our firm to, as Jackie and I were about ready to retire after 50 years of fun. We were blessed to meet with Celeste and her staff and family and arrange for them to take over our practice. It has been an incredible relationship, as we continue to help out on occasion.
We had many pleasant lunches, dinner parties with Jeff, Celeste and the other staff and Jeff and I could always talk about baseball and music.
I had the pleasure of seeing several spring training games with him and he will be missed.

Alan and Jackie Tedamonson and Kristi Coleman

You knew how to have a great time and loved to be the life of the party!  Halloween night at Sailors Return in Stuart, FL

My deepest sympathy to Celeste, Karyn, Krissy and Jeff's brothers and family.  
 
Jeff's light shined bright to those that knew him. His unbounded wisdom and charismatic wit will forever be in my memories of my friend Jeff. He had the ability to make people laugh, even in the most serious of times. Jeff was fun to be around and always the life of the party. I will always remember Jeff working on a project around the house. He envisioned what he wanted and then made it a reality. He knew his meats! You could ask him anything about a cut of meat and he would share his knowledge and love of food with you. He was an all around great guy and I'm sure going to miss you my friend. I will not say farewell, but until we meet again my friend, Jeff Rives!

Love always,
Stacey Towers

When Jeff and I met at the Waterway Cafe, we were instant best friends. I gave him my baseball riddle during our first conversation which I have never done before with anyone until I get to know them. I also gave him the nickname, Jeeves. He made me laugh each day. He was so positive and so witty. It was an honor waking up with him each day. He sang to me all the time. If he was unhappy for some reason, I knew it cause he wasn’t singing little made-up songs. We sat on our patio nearly every day and listened to music. “Sing along if you know the words,” he would say. He was also super smart with a memory for all things that he read, saw, or heard. Watch out on trivia night!! He used those smarts to give me some of the best advice ever. I came to him for his wisdom. He was the voice of reason with added humor. As a couple, people around us were jealous of our connection. We talked and laughed each day. It was real and it was undeniable. We worked together. We lived together. We played together. Our gift to each other was to give the other one some space on a regular basis. Oh, the adventures over the years. We never totally planned any of our travels. We loved flying by the seat of pants which would allow a story to unfold around us. We were lucky and patient and have been rewarded with all kinds of great stories. He was the son of a great man, Donald Rives.. Don’t even get me started about his family. They went above and beyond to make me feel welcome and loved. My daughters were adults when Jeeves came into our lives. He did not try to parent them. He allowed them to come to him and they did. He was a role model for them. He didn’t claim my daughters as his own but he did claim his grandsons as his own. He is missed!!

My deepest condolences to Jeff's family and friends. Very heartbreaking to learn. Growing up he was a great friend to many. My thoughts and prayers for his family and friends. May you find peace, joy,and comfort in great sweet  memories of love and laughter.

Rives family reunion in Bear Creek, NC. Dave Rives on left, Jeff Rives (middle), William Rives (right)

I first met jeff back in 1991 at Publix. We were both 24. We both share the love for sports and music together especially Garth Brooks. We would spend many Sunday afternoons back then playing softball and flag football with the Publix crew. I went off to Atlanta in 1993, and one day I was visiting another store, and I walked by the meat department and there was Jeff. We reconnected and had many more great times in Atlanta. Eventually we both moved back at some point and in the early 2000s. I was transferred to a store and going by the meat department again there was Jeff. After reconnecting again Jeff introduced me to Celeste,and the three of us would have many happy hours together. 
Jeff, you were wonderful man and a good friend.

OBITUARY

Jeffrey Brian Rives

September 20, 1966 – July 22, 2023

Aycock-Riverside Funeral and Cremation Center

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