Jeffrey Stephen Quinn

Jeff grew up in Kansas City and attended St. Elizabeth grade school where he played basketball and soccer. He excelled as a pitcher in the 3&2 Baseball League during summers. It was during his grade school years that he made life-long friends, friends who were with him and supported him until the very end. He attended Rockhurst High School, where he earned good grades, the constant attention of the school disciplinarian, and made more friends. The entire Rockhurst community rejoiced with him when he graduated in 1988. At Southwest Missouri State University, Jeff quickly found where the best parties were, but had more difficulty finding the classrooms, so he transferred to UMKC, where the campus maps were better, and graduated with a BA in Criminal Justice. Jeff was a natural in sales. His outgoing, friendly personality, his booming voice and hearty laugh, his work ethic and competitive nature, all combined to lead to a successful career at Kraft/Nabisco for nearly 20 years. Jeff's hobbies included making delicious BBQ. Jeff was amazing with a grill and a smoker. From salmon to turkey, and brisket to ribs, Jeff always served up the best, and always made more than anyone could eat. While the meats were smoking, Jeff tended to his well-manicured lawn, complete with a cut-in Notre Dame logo that made it clear to the world with which team his big heart stood. Jeff counted his family as his greatest success, and anyone who knows them can see why. Michele and daughters Morgan, Bridgette, and Rylee, were the joys of his life. He was proud of his girls and their talents as competitive dancers, and was a fixture at their competitions throughout the Midwest, rejoicing with them as they collected trophy after trophy. It is fitting, then, that Jeff was able to see his girls perform as a trio just a few hours before he died. He would not have wanted it any other way. When the cruel disease of ALS began to attack Jeff, it was his strong faith in God and the Catholic Church that brought him the peace and strength to suffer it with poise, dignity, aplomb, and, most importantly, an ever-present sense of humor. The Quinn family wants to acknowledge in a very public way their friends, neighbors, dance family, co-workers and all those who rallied around Jeff, Michele, Morgan, Bridgette, and Rylee during the past several years. Their generosity of time and talent and money, the parties and benefits they organized and hosted for Jeff, and their constant companionship helped make Jeff's remaining years fun and eventful. As ALS withered away his once-athletic body, and as he lost the ability to perform even basic functions, Jeff's spirit of gratitude for all that God had given him, and his appreciation for all that so many people had done for him--some of whom he did not know--helped buoy his spirits. Had Jeff been given one last chance to yell with that booming voice of his, he no doubt would have cried out: "I'm the luckiest man in the world!"

Jeffrey Stephen Quinn

December 10, 1969 - February 15, 2015