Jeffery Dean Fernandes

Jeffery Dean Fernandes was born September 1, 1972 early on the Friday morning before Labor Day in a small osteopathic hospital in Central Point. He weighed 6.2 pounds and was one of only two babies born that weekend. Jeff went home to Grants Pass September 4, 1972.

Jeff was allergic to milk and drank soy milk formula. At age 2 he was diagnosed with Celiac Disease and was hospitalized in Medford with pneumonia for a week. He was always one of the smallest children in school. He attended Fruitdale and Riverside Elementary schools, and South and Fleming Middle schools. He ran a library out of his desk in 3rd grade with “Choose Your Own Adventure” books. He started home schooling at age 12. At age 14 the family moved to Eugene and Jeff finally had a growth spurt, and even though he never got taller than his older brother, he came close.

Jeff earned his GED at age 16, and by 17 he was the youngest person ever hired by IBM to be the Student Campus Representative for an on-campus sales program. He attended Lane Community College and worked for the University of Oregon. Jeff also worked for Sacred Heart and several other businesses in Eugene and Springfield. Jeff married at age 25 to Charity in Springfield, and the couple later divorced. He later married his current wife Jessica who was with him at the time of his death.

Jeff took six months off from work to care for his “Papa” after major surgery. He then worked security for a traveling jewelry and gem show.

He enjoyed traveling and visited many states where he enjoyed a variety of foods. Jeff was a valued employee at all his workplaces, including his current employment with Fred Meyer in Medford where he was proud to be the Union Representative. Jeff thrived as a hard worker despite his battle with type 1 diabetes from the age of 25.

He was the rock of his family and was the one everyone would turn to for help. He was a loving husband, son, and a loyal brother. His passing at his home early on a Friday morning October 18, 2024 has been a devastating shock. “We miss Jeff, and he will forever remain in our hearts.”

A celebration of life will be at 2:00 p.m., November 23, 2024 at Hull & Hull Funeral Directors.