Jeffrey Michael Jappa, 62, unexpectedly passed away on Sunday, October 22nd, 2023. Even though a tragedy took him away from this world too early, Jeffrey lived a lot of life in those 62 years, and brought light and joy to those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Jeffrey is predeceased by his father Sheldon Jappa and is survived by his mother Brenda Jappa, his siblings, Jason Jappa and Sherri Jappa, his wife Cheryl Pro, his former spouse Sarah Jappa and their four sons and family — Miles & Kristin Jappa, Mason & Olivia Jappa, Tristan Jappa, and Trevor Jappa, and Cheryl’s family, Nicholas Pro, Jonathan Pro, Rickey Pro, Alexander Pro, Maddox Pro, Silas Pro, Elijas Pro and Penelope Pro.
Jeffrey was a passionate man in all regards — passionate for his business, JMC Wood, which he helped build and grow to unfathomable heights, passionate for St. Louis and his beloved Cardinals and Blues, and most of all, passionate for his relationships with his family and friends.
Jeffrey was an innovative visionary, a creative powerhouse, and fearlessly believed in himself.
Jeffrey was a lifelong learner. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering at the University of Missouri Columbia, and a Masters of Business Administration in Entrepreneurial Business at the University of Southern California.
Jeffrey was enamoured with the outdoors from an early age and instilled that love in his family. He was a world adventurer, a fisherman, a camper, an animal lover, and an incredible boatsman! There wasn’t a nautical vessel he couldn’t captain, from canoe to pontoon, sailboat to houseboat.
Jeffrey was an enthusiastic live music connoisseur, and was often louder than the performers.
Jeffrey loved to cook for himself and others — when the recipe called for a pinch, Jeffrey would grab a fistful. This could also be said about how he approached life, grabbing life by the fistful.
Jeffrey was and will continue to be a vivacious, double exclamation point in every memory and story he is a part of!! He was a larger than life storyteller and storymaker and his laughter was as contagious as his smile.
Jeffrey was a rare soul who never lost his childlike sense of wonder. He experienced all facets of life as if it was all happening, beautifully, for the first time.
If you knew Jeffrey, you could feel the adoration in his eyes as he looked upon you. He was, and is, a beacon of light, and continues to shine his light on us all with love in his heart.
May Jeffrey Jappa’s life be a blessing. L’Chaim!
Visitation is Monday, October 30th, at 10AM at BERGER MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 9430 Olive Boulevard. Funeral service follows at 11AM and is also available via livestream. Interment follows at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, 650 White Road.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Central Reform Congregation in Jeffrey’s honor.
Please visit bergermemorialchapel.com for more information and the livestream link.