Jeff was among my closest friends in both junior high and high school. I never saw him play the violin, but I do recall that he had so-called "perfect pitch" - that he could instantly identify any note that was played. I remember his extraordinary artistic talent: in a matter of moments, he could draw scenes that looked as good as the DC and Marvel Comics we read when we were growing up. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a very good poker player. The last few times I saw him, in 1974 and 1975, things were going very badly for him, and it was terribly sad to see. I hope with all my heart that he found some peace along the way.
I recall Jeff as a very good violinist. His mom was a professional musician on the Koto instrument, and played for several Hollywood films. I saw Jeff a couple times in the Oxnard area in 2022. He was retired from Vons grocery after having a stroke. Jeff told me he was homeless for some years, and had suffered from undiagnosed/untreated mental health issues. He finally got into a state hospital, and once he was stabilized he was able to get work as a clerk at a local Vons, where he worked until his stroke. He was renting a room in a nice home near the ocean in Port Hueneme near Oxnard. It was sad to hear his story, but I was so glad he was in a safe and comfortable place. I will miss him.
Freddie Salas (1972)
Jeff was always polite and respectful to me. He was a good man.
David Abrahamson (1972)
Jeff was among my closest friends in both junior high and high school. I never saw him play the violin, but I do recall that he had so-called "perfect pitch" - that he could instantly identify any note that was played. I remember his extraordinary artistic talent: in a matter of moments, he could draw scenes that looked as good as the DC and Marvel Comics we read when we were growing up. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was a very good poker player. The last few times I saw him, in 1974 and 1975, things were going very badly for him, and it was terribly sad to see. I hope with all my heart that he found some peace along the way.
Keith C. Wilson (1972)
I recall Jeff as a very good violinist. His mom was a professional musician on the Koto instrument, and played for several Hollywood films. I saw Jeff a couple times in the Oxnard area in 2022. He was retired from Vons grocery after having a stroke. Jeff told me he was homeless for some years, and had suffered from undiagnosed/untreated mental health issues. He finally got into a state hospital, and once he was stabilized he was able to get work as a clerk at a local Vons, where he worked until his stroke. He was renting a room in a nice home near the ocean in Port Hueneme near Oxnard. It was sad to hear his story, but I was so glad he was in a safe and comfortable place. I will miss him.