Jeffrey Layne Jansen

Jeff was born on April 22, 1945, to Frederick William Jansen and Margaret Lenore Bennett Jansen in Kokomo, Indiana. Jeff lived in Kokomo and his family moved to Jacksonville in 1955. He attended Assumption Catholic School, and graduated from Bishop Kenny High School in 1963. After graduating high school, he entered the military, United States Air Force.

Jeff proudly and honorably served our country in the United States Air Force 1963-1967 during the Vietnam War, and continued his dedication to our country by serving in the Army Reserve from 1985-2005. Jeff graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Political Science in 1972. He worked as an administrator with the Florida Parole Commission until he retired in 2003. He also served as the State-President of the Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency from 1990-1991.

He was a dedicated long-time member of the Tallahassee Elks Lodge #937. Jeff was a member of the Ritual Team and won all state Inner Guard. He volunteered often with the Elks and was always happy to help. It was a passion of his to give back to the community.

Jeffrey loved boating, fishing and water skiing and often would take family and friends for boat rides and loved being on the water. Jeff played golf regularly. He enjoyed watching FSU sports. He and Julie were long time football season ticket holders and attended games regularly. Jeff loved watching Jacksonville Jaguars football. Shooting pool with family and friends was something he did regularly at the Elks Lodge. He was a great dancer and loved to move. Jeff was an avid book reader and read the newspaper daily. He enjoyed playing cards and often played with friends and family.

Jeff is preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Lenore Jansen. He is survived by his wife, Julia Gillette Jansen; his two children, Clifton “Cliff” Jansen (Amanda) of Jacksonville, Florida, and Kristin Wiley (Trey) of Jacksonville, Florida; Barbara Jansen, mother of his two children; four grandchildren, Hayden Jansen, Nathan Jansen, Brooklyn Wiley, Jansen Wiley; two stepchildren, Jennifer Rigdon of Fort. Collins, Colorado and Jeffrey Rigdon of Tallahassee, Florida; three brothers, Frederic Jansen (Vickie) of Anderson, MO, Phillip Jansen (Ella-Rae) of Jacksonville, Florida; twin brother Gregory Jansen (Patty) of Canton, Georgia; sister, Angela Jansen Carter (Jimmy) of Savannah, Georgia; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 20th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm at the Tallahassee Elks Lodge with a celebration of his life to follow.

Memorial donations can be made to the Tallahassee Elks Lodge #937, 276 N Magnolia Drive, Tallahassee, Florida 32301.