Jeff Alan Counsell

Jeff was born in Birmingham England to parents Ernest and Eva Counsell on April 1st 1952.He grew up in a modest terrace house playing on the bomb sites left from the second world war on Coplow St in Birmingham. Years later Jeff would build a tudor half beamed english cottage in the back garden to house the mower which was called "Coplow Cottage" He had an older brother Melvin who was in the jewellery trade.Jeff started as a jeweller but never could sit still so he followed his fathers profession, into the automotive trade.His sister Jean was very close to Jeff she was already married when Jeff a boy so he had many great holidays with her by the river at Highley.Jeans son Carl was like a brother to Jeff and came to visit Jeff in the US many times.His sister Margaret was closest to him in age and has been a strength of support over the years during Jeans passing and to Jeffs widow Fran.Jeff loved to ice skate and was an competetive barrel jumper. One of Jeff's moms proudest moments was watching him skate in an ice show as a clown who couldnt skate! Jeff came to America in 1979 with dreams of a better life working as an English Automotive specialist until he could open his own business with his long time friend Jim Brunsden. Jeffs first wife Nell came from Birmingham and they had two sons LeeJ(LeeJeff) and Scott spending many happy times riding dirt bikes at Hollister Hills. Jeff ran Marina Automotive in happy partnership with the Syphers family for many years . In 2001 Jeff set off on a great 10 year retirement with his loving wife Fran. The last 10 years were very happy times for a very close couple, remodeling and running Duffys tavern, building two classic cars, remodelling the house and going to car shows. Jeffs life was full of action, adventure and laughs, he will be greatly missed by very many friends, his family and his wife. Jeff fought a valient battle for his life. When it became clear that he could not survive, we all said goodbye.In true Jeff style, he hated to be a passenger, he took the drivers seat and passed peacefully at his own speed.