Jeffrey Bennett

Jeffrey Lynn Bennett Jeff was born August 1, 1965, in Mount Shasta, California, to Carl Bennett and Anita Keffer. He passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in his home the morning of October 31, 2015, in the loving company of his fiancé Linda. Jeff graduated from McMinnville High School in 1984. In 1989, he completed his certificate in ministerial training, with a focus in evangelism from the Rhema Bible Training Center in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. He served in the armed forces as an aerospace propulsion specialist beginning in 1991 and was Honorable discharged in 1999. For 23 years he worked as a residential real estate appraiser in the Boise, Idaho, area where he owned and operated his business Bennett Appraisal and Consulting, Inc. Jeff loved the outdoors. In the summer, his favorite season, if he wasn’t cruising down the street—windows rolled down, wind rushing through his hair, Paradise City playing in the background—he could be found enjoying one of his pass times: hitting a bucket of balls on the driving range with his son, taking on the Boise foothills on his mountain bike, hitting the dunes with his brothers Greg and Darin, or throwing his jet boat into high-throttle at the command of “hit it.” But, it didn’t end there; Jeff could just as easily be found scaling the slopes on a pair of skis or showboating over a jump on a snowmobile. Jeff was a martial artist; an avid football fan, “Go Broncos!” and a master of the barbeque. His thirst for knowledge was vigorous and inspiring, and he never ceased to amaze those around him with his mastery on a variety of topics. He was a devout Christian and always sought ways to further his spirituality. His family loved him for his presence. His infectious laugh, his smile, his twinkling eye, and his never-ending jokes could light up a room. And, to say that Jeff loved his family back is an understatement. He never missed an opportunity to support his family at an event or performance, even if it’s something he didn’t quite understand. Whether it was at a rodeo, watching his daughter ride her horse; at a school talent show, watching his son tongue-punch his electric guitar; or at a stadium, watching his niece perform with her color guard team, Jeff could be found in the stands, camera in hand. He cherished his nieces, nephews, and members of his extended family, and spoke proudly of their accomplishments. Presley, Skylar, Lincoln, Grayson, Elijah, and Ezra, may you remember Uncle Jeff fondly as “Uncle karate” and know that he loved and was proud of all you’ve done and all you will do. Jeff is survived by his children Alexis, 24, and Mitchell, 21; his brothers Gregory and Darin; his sisters-in-law Amanda and Jackie, his mother Anita; and his fiancé Linda Fonseca. He is preceded in death by his father Carl Bennett. We love and miss you, Jeff. More than words could ever describe.