Jeff was the 5^th of six children between Edward W. Kern and June B. Kern.

Although he left us way to soon, he more than made up for it with life experiences. Jeff preferred to do things his way and exhibited a can-do attitude at an early age which he carried with him throughout his life.  While working on the Potomac River Bridge as an iron worker, he and his brother Steve were tasked to run a 2500-foot steel cable through the maze of steel girders and beams at a height of 135 feet and without safety equipment. Needless to say, it was a very dangerous task. The foreman on site kept changing his mind on how the cable should be run. Finally… Jeff got on the radio and said “John, we tried it your way three times and it hasn’t worked and before you come up with a crazy idea like a figure 8, we are going to do it my way”.  Turns out Jeff’s solution was spot on and that process was utilized throughout the project.

Jeff worked many jobs during his life and all along the way he gained experiences and many friends. Initially he worked construction with his friend Kenny Caperton and later he worked construction at Kings Dominion. If you’ve ever been scared out of your mind, feel like you might lose your lunch, or just having a glorious time riding “The Grizzly”, you can thank Jeff.

At the age of 18 Jeff and his friend Tim Trivett took a cross- country trip by car to California and Mexico.  His one night in Tijuana could qualify as 1 year of worldly experience in the United States.

One year later he took a trip to Tennessee with his cousin Reed Hall to chase after an old girlfriend.  When the old girlfriend didn’t work out, they decided to take a 500-mile detour to New Orleans.  Jeff said “New Orleans would be a good place to forget about an old girlfriend”…turns out he was right.

Later he met Kimba Henderson.  Although their lives took different paths they remained good friends for 48 years.  Kimba was there to see Jeff in his final moments.  Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.

Jeff maintained his school friendships throughout his life.  Doug Cooper was one of those friends.  Doug became his financial advisor and guided Jeff to financial success.  Doug and Jeff would talk about all the world problems.  Although they didn’t always agree they always respected each other.

Jeff spent 2 years in the Army and was stationed in the Panama Canal.  Jeff quickly learned that it is better to take charge and give orders than to receive orders.  He applied that tactic into his civilian life as well.

Jeff earned his degree in Criminal Justice and was employed by the Colonial Beach Police Department and the Fredericksburg Sheriff’s Office.  He took a break from law enforcement and became a very successful Auto salesman.  One auspicious day he sold a car to a beautiful young woman named Yvonne.  Apparently, his suave salesman technique worked well beyond the showroom as she later became his wife. This union produced what he said was his greatest pride and joy; his beloved daughter Cheyenne. He was incredibly proud of her and often sent out texts to family and friends describing her successes; most recently just a week before his passing.

Jeff was extremely strong and a naturally fit person in his youth. He resembled Tom Selleck but had an even better physique. In 1987 Jeff was involved in a horrific plane crash that would have killed most people.  He broke his leg in 18 places as well as his jaw, his hand and suffered numerous lacerations. Even with all of those injuries he used one arm to pick up his 120-pound nephew completely off the floor while laying on a gurney to give his nephew some advice.  Jeff spent the next four years in a cast but never gave up.

After 4 years the cast was finally removed but only 3 days later his leg broke again!  Jeff’s determination kicked in and he instructed Steve to straighten his leg by fashioning a new cast out of rolled up newspapers, a broom stick and duct tape before driving him to MCV.   The doctors were so impressed with the field dressing that from then on Jeff became his own doctor.

As the years passed his old injuries came back to haunt him and his mobility became more difficult.

Jeff was a true believer in Jesus Christ and enjoyed preaching the Gospel at every chance. He wanted everyone to know Jesus as their Savior so they would also experience the everlasting life, and new whole body, we know he now possess.

Jeff was predeceased by his parents and older brothers Phillip and Walter Kern.  Left to cherish his memories are his wife Yvonne of 38 years and their daughter Cheyenne and her husband Marcelino.  Other family members include siblings Polly Boschen (Ted), Suzy Davis (Big Rod), Steve Kern (Sarah), numerous nieces and nephews and the countless friends that he loved so much.

Life should not be measured in the number of breaths we take, but in the moments that take our breath away.  And that is exactly how Jeff lived.

A graveyard service will be held at the family cemetery (135 Creek View Lane) Saturday June 21, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. A celebration of life will immediately follow at the Carriage House.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations to: Valor Ranch, 15360 James Madison Pkwy, King George, VA 22485.