Jeffrey Paul Strong, 63, of Kingsland died Feb. 24, 2017

Jeffrey Paul Strong, 63, passed away peacefully on Feb. 24, 2017, at his home with family in Kingsland, Texas. He was born to James and Jean (Sharron) Strong on Sept. 19, 1953, in Natick, Massachusetts.

Jeff graduated from Natick High School and attended Vermont Academy. He was very athletic and enjoyed football, basketball, and baseball during his academic years.

Jeff moved to California, where he worked for Hughes Aircraft. During his time with Hughes, he moved to South Carolina and Mississippi then returned to California to finish his career with Hughes/Raytheon.

Jeff retired at 55 and built his dream retirement home on Lake LBJ in Kingsland.

Shortly after his retirement Jeff and Diane were married in her parents’ backyard. Jeff’s sister Chris was his “best man,” and Diane’s daughters, Leann and Sandy, served as maids of honor. Leann and Sandy soon began calling Jeff “Papa Daddy.” Jeff then named them “S1” and “S2” (step-daughter one and step-daughter two).

Jeff has always had a positive outlook as a happy, kind, and generous man, making lasting friends across the country and around the world. After his retirement, he travelled to Ireland, Australia, Romania, and Costa Rica as well as many trips across the United States to visit friends and family in Colorado, Massachusetts, Idaho, South and North Carolina, and California. He has friendships that are over 60 years old, and he reached out as often as he could to ensure they were well and enjoying life.

Jeff was an avid golfer and participated in golf tournaments at Pebble Beach, California, for eight years, making new friends. He was a life time member of the Lighthouse Country Club and would golf three to five times a week. If he wasn’t on the golf course, he was on the pontoon boat telling stories to his many friends who ventured to his home. He loved having family and friends come over and enjoyed time on the lake and sharing stories.

Everyone who met Jeff quickly became aware he was a New England Patriots fan. The Pats were his team. With the Pats getting into the Super Bowl this year, Jeff eagerly awaited game day. He was less than thrilled at the performance through the first three quarters, as were many Pats fans, but he didn’t move from his chair. In the fourth quarter, he proudly watched the amazing comeback of the Patriots to win the Super Bowl. This has put a smile on his face that has not diminished.   

He is survived by his loving wife, Diane Lynne Strong; stepdaughters, Leann and Sandy Weinstein; sisters, Christine Ott and Lois McCormack; brothers-in-law, Robert Ott and Terry McCormack; nephews Derek and Greg Strong and William and Jeffery Ott; niece Mary McCormack; and father-in-law, Lou Kassiris.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Jean and James Strong; brothers James “Jimmy” and William “Bill” Strong; and his first wife, Donna.

A private family ceremony is planned.

Arrangements by Putnam Funeral Home and Crematory, 145 Texas Ave. in Kingsland, (325) 388-0008. Go to putnamcares.com to offer condolences.

Memorials may be made in Jeffrey’s honor to the ALS Association at www.alsa.org or the Kingsland Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 350, Kingsland, TX 78639.