Jeffrey L. Whitson, 59
Jeffrey L Whitson, 59, passed away on Friday afternoon, June 8, 2018 at his home in Jacksonville, Florida. Jeff was born July 21, 1958 in Cleveland Heights, Ohio.
With gusto, Jeff pursued his passions of politics, political strategy, campaign management, government affairs, policy initiatives, and economic development. But his greatest accomplishment was his love and dedication to his family. And if you were a friend of his, you were family, too. He encouraged everyone to live up to their full potential and he would often express his genuine concern if he saw that you needed a swift kick in the butt to get back on track. Jeff was full of wise anecdotes, witty nicknames for his peeps and the weakest dad jokes…ever! He always enjoyed spending time with his family and friends for fellowship, colorful conversation or political strategery over a “damn good” cigar. And he was also well-known, if not overzealous-bordering-obnoxious, for being a proud supporter of The Ohio State Buckeyes.
Preceded in death by his father, James L Whitson, Jeff is survived by his mother Carolyn Whitson of Grand Island Florida: brother, John Whitson and wife (Sharon): loving wife of 29 years, Kathy: son, Jeremiah (JJ) Whitson and wife, Heather: Zachary Whitson and wife, Marisa: stepdaughter Ibrey Hudgens and husband, Ryan: daughter, Caroline Marie Whitson-Portlock and husband, Justin: son, Jordan Whitson, mother-in-law, Helen Mayer, brother-in-law, George Mayer , sister-in-law, Karla Powers, niece, Jessica, nephew, Chad, and six grandchildren.
Family will receive friends at a Celebration of Life which will be held at the San Jose Country Club, Friday June 15th at 7529 San Jose Boulevard in Jacksonville, FL 32217 between the hours of 3:00 PM and 6:00PM. A private service with full Military Honors will be held at the Jacksonville National Cemetery for family.
Jeff served in the Armed Forces of the United States Navy on the USS Sea Devil and was honorably discharged in July 1982.
In lieu of flowers, please support the Northeast Florida Red Cross with a donation in memory of Jeff at www.redcross.org and click on Donate Funds or 1-800-435-7669 or mail to the American Red Cross at 751 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville, Fl. 32204. You may also support The Ohio State University in his memory at https://www.giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/?amount=100&Source_Code=DEV_AG-0-GivingFeature-ON-S .
Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com 904-284-7720