Jefferson Peter Grogan
September 7, 1952 - August 23, 2017
Obituary
Jefferson Peter Grogan of Des Moines, WA went home to be with Lord on Wednesday, August 23, 2017.
Jefferson Peter Grogan was born September 7, 1952, in Birmingham, England, to James and Mary (Fogarty) Grogan. He was raised in Birmingham before emigrating with the Grogan family to the U.S. in 1969. In 1972 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. Jeff returned to the U.S. in 1975 and made his home in the Auburn area. He graduated from Pacific School of Theology in Seattle, WA, with a Bachelor of Theology degree. In 1986, he married Karla Opland in Des Moines, WA, where they made their home until Karla passed away in 2013. Jeff was a well respected, loyal employee of Highline Community College where he worked as an accountant for almost 20 years.
Jeff was a devoted Christian who had a positive effect on many lives with his sincerity, humor, and knowledge of the Bible. In the years following his wife’s death, he spent much of his free time studying the scriptures, making new acquaintances, and helping others learn about the Christian life. Jeff was very knowledgeable about computers, enjoyed a good topic to research, and loved riding his motorcycle in the mountains.
Jeff will be missed dearly by his surviving family: Barbara (Ken) Drewry, Matthew; Judith (Dwayne) Lovejoy, Cecelia; Josephine (Allen) Cary; Patricia (Skot) Tinsley, Liam, Niamh. Karla’s family: Catherine Opland; Rose Opland; Lorene (Jeff) Yurak; Reed Opland. Numerous nieces and nephews in Washington and North Dakota.
Jeff was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Karla, and their puppy, Winston; parents, James William Grogan and Mary Patricia (Fogarty) Grogan; father-in-law, Walter Opland; sister-in-law, Michelle Opland; and grand nephew, Gabriel Hanson.
Jeff will be laid to rest on Thursday, September 7, 2017 at Washington Memorial Park and Mortuary, SeaTac, WA. A memorial gathering will be held at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial gift to True Family Women’s Cancer Center, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle. Swedishfoundation.org
I am so sad to have lost such a wonderful brother-inlaw. He took good care of my sister and mother. Always being a gentleman and always a smile for anyone he looked at. His quite, gentle and kind way of living is something to be treasured. My entire family out here in North Dakota will miss him very much. We love you Jeff !!!
Sorry about Jeff. I enjoyed it when Jeff and Karla would come back here to visit. I miss both of them.
Jeff, I was so sad to learn of your passing. You were one of the most genuinely nice men I’ve ever met in my life. I always enjoyed our chats.
I am comforted that you are with Karla and Winston again.
I will miss so much are talks early in the morning at HCC. You will never know how much that meant for me. The college will not be the same without you. RIP Jeff.
Jeff, you were a good friend and a consummate gentleman. Your smile, your humor and your cheerful attitude were greatly appreciated. I always enjoyed our talks about home and family as well as your love of life and helping people. Your penchant for being well dressed always brought a smile to my face!
It was an honor to have shared time with you and I know God has welcomed you home to a well deserved rest. I will miss you dearly my friend.
My heart smiles and cries at the same time with you no longer strolling through the Garden of Highline – Jeff sprinkling words of encouragement and snip bits of joy, laughter, humor and love unconditionally throughout.
Your gentle spirit and attitude of gratitude will always live in my heart. You are a shining example of an Englishman who lived with the passion for God’s people.
You are now with the Karla who you missed and loved the way God intended a man to love his wife.
Thank you Jeff for being true to you and your family at home and at Highline and for impacting the lives of all students whose path your crossed with graciousness and humility to be a servant.
Jeff, you will be truly missed! I am so sad that you are not here you left a great legacy behind and now you are enjoying your time with your wife. God bless you and your family. My heart goes out to all of you. Rest in Peace my friend, my co worker.
Brother Jeff, I will always remember your smooth style and sharp ties. Enjoyed our pleasant talks in the hallway. Truly respected your love for Humanity.
Rashad
Jeff, Happy Birthday in heaven my friend and colleague. I will miss your smile and English accent. Now you are in paradise with your loved ones. God has welcome you home. Say hi to my mom and dad for me in heaven.