Jeff Alvin Smith passed away unexpectedly on November 27, 2023, in Park City, Utah. Jeff was born on September 9, 1964, to A. Jay and Joy Lee Smith in Sacramento, California. His family moved to Salt Lake City in his youth and Utah is the place he thought of as home. Growing up, he was involved in sports, scouting, church activities, and school. He played on his high school basketball team and for several years played in an annual alumni tournament over the holidays with his old teammates. He had many fond memories of Scout campouts, hikes, bike trips and other adventures and attained the rank of Eagle Scout.
After graduating from high school, Jeff served as a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Lima, Peru, and that experience defined the rest of his life in many ways. He came home with an enhanced ability to solve problems and a desire to be consistently generous and kind in all of his interactions with others.
After his mission Jeff completed a degree in accounting at BYU and then finished with his MBA at the University of North Carolina. While at UNC he fell in love with North Carolina and that state continued to hold a soft spot in his heart for the rest of his life. Seeing his Tarheels win a National Championship in person alongside his Dad was a sporting highlight for him.
Jeff spent his career working in finance and operations in the health care management field. He loved solving problems and having new challenges to conquer. He made many lifelong friends through work and several of them joined him for one adventure or another which made it all the more enjoyable for him.
His career took him to Dallas where he took full advantage of the airport. He was a worldwide traveler, always planning his next adventure. He traveled to spend time with family, connect with friends, hike mountains, scuba dive and explore new cultures and his travels took him to every continent but Antarctica.
Jeff was an avid fan of live music and made dozens of friends at concerts around the world. He had the enviable ability to easily converse and connect with people from all walks of life. We witnessed Jeff make friends wherever he went. He served widely and gave generously to many people. After serving as Elders Quorum President he could have started his own moving company with the equipment he had acquired to facilitate free moves.
Jeff was beloved by his family. He was at every major event and milestone for his siblings and sought out opportunities to be with, and cheer on, his niece and four nephews in whatever they were doing. More than anything, he loved being with family and he found any way he could to spend time with those he loved.
Jeff is survived by his sister Jill Benfell (Steve), and brothers Eric Smith (Toni) and Scott Smith (Andrea). A service celebrating his life will be held on December 9, 2023, at 11:00 am MST with a visitation prior from 9:30 to 10:45 MST. Services will be held at Larkin Sunset Mortuary located at 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, UT. The service will be livestreamed via Zoom and can be accessed by clicking the "Watch Services" button above or by clicking the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81736544993. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to a charity of your choice whose focus is on blessing the lives of those less fortunate.
On behalf of myself personally and our company at GoSB, please accept our sincere condolences for your loss of Jeff. He was a friend and a sincere man, which can be rare and serves as a testament to his integrity in all regards.
Jeff was a great human being, kind and lovable. I am thinking of you and your family and sending caring thoughts your way. Will miss you, my friend.
Jeff was a wonderful person and colleague. He was adventurous, kind and thoughtful. I learned so much from him about RCM and leadership. I will miss talking with him about travel and music. My heart goes out to his family during this difficult time.
Jeff was the kindest person I’ve ever known. His love for his family was very apparent when he would talk about the vacations and trips you took together. I could not have asked for a better leader. He will be greatly missed by everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I worked with Jeff for a few years. He was so kind, funny, and knowledgeable. He taught me so much and we stayed in touch after he moved to brighter pastures in his career. I will miss him very much. Such a wonderful man, great colleague, and amazing friend. My condolences to his family. i’m sending you prayers and big hugs.
I worked with Jeff for a little while and really enjoyed working with him. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing about his concerts and traveling adventures. My joke to him was that I lived life through him!! He'd send me pics....amazing pics of his travels. And then tell me stories about the friends he'd made along the way. I was always in awe. He was a good man and his kindness was genuine.
I was able to speak with him on Thanksgiving and hear about his latest adventure to Australia. I will pray for his family, who he often spoke of. He enjoyed his adventures with all of you. Jeff will be greatly missed.
Extremely sad to hear Jeff is leaving us. Sending your thoughts to his family and friends. Rest in peace! You will always will be remembered as a great and loving person. Also the best skier! <3
This is surprising and shocking…I have never seen a person like Jeff…honest, humble and kind soul……RIP Jeff we will miss you my friend!!
My deepest and most sincere condolences to the entire family. I had the privilege of meeting Jeff through working together. He was always so kind-hearted with everyone. I'm grateful that I was able to complete the Grand Canyon hike with him which I could tell he loved sharing with everyone. It also meant a lot to me that every birthday, holiday, and Lakers or Dodgers win or loss, he reached out to congratulate or console. I will always remember Jeff fondly.
Jeff was one of a kind! He was so kind. He was all for making memories with friends and family. I loved hearing about his adventures. He will be truly missed. Still in shock. Until we meet again my dear friend.
Jeff was such a fun, smart, caring and genuine person. I had the pleasure of working with him for many years. His love for music was infectious. He will be sincerely missed.
I'm so sorry to hear of Jeff's passing.
I have so many fond memories of my youth growing up with Jeff. The memories of Jeff and the fun we had will always be with me, and I am so thankful to have know him.
My prayers go out to his family
Rest in peace, Jeff. Wish god give your family courage and peace during this time of mourning.
I am so saddened to hear this news. I worked with Jeff and shared a connection with him with our love of The Dave Matthews Band. I enjoyed hearing about his adventures and travels, and he always brought a smile to my face when I got his text message to wish me a happy birthday or a Merry Christmas! My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this tragic time. God Speed Jeff, Rest in Peace.
Jennifer
My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.
Jeff was the kindest and caring person I’ve ever met. We loved to listen to his stories about his travels. He was truly a servant leader and always thought about others first. We will miss him and his sense of humor.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family .
Anja Holweg
My condolences to the family.
Jeff was a remarkable and humble person. We worked to together through the Pandemic. He made each day pleasant with his stories and sense of humor. He will be missed. Best boss ever.
Dear Jeff, you will be missed so very deeply.
It was amazing to know you, it was so fun to work with you! I believe you were a great teacher and tought a lot of good lessons- I will cherish them for life. Your adventures were truly inspiring and so were you.
My deepest condolences for your loving family.
Dear Jeff, you will be missed so very deeply.
It was amazing to know you, it was so fun to work with you! I believe you were a great teacher and tought a lot of good lessons- I will cherish them for life. Your adventures were truly inspiring and so were you.
My deepest condolences for your loving family.
I met Jeff through work some years ago. Even after we moved on to other jobs, Jeff never failed to text on birthdays and holidays to send well wishes, along with random check-ins along the way to see how things were. Jeff was caring and thoughtful and will be remembered for his kindness.
My condolences go out to his family.
Jeff was truly one of a kind, and I knew he was special from the first day I met him. We worked together for a few years, and despite our age difference, he quickly became a close friend. Jeff taught me so much. He taught me to always stay humble, and to never stop paying it forward…. To not take life so seriously, and to find humor and joy in the mundane. Jeff loved his lawn, his Honda, and his family. DMB, fry sauce, Carolina blue, the first signs of winter, his church, cannon balls, the Gorge. Jeff was my concert buddy, travel companion, and my biggest cheerleader. And yet I was one of many… Jeff touched so many lives, and it was an absolute honor to know him. My heart goes out to his family. I’ll be praying that you may all find peace during this time, and know that we all loved him so much.
Jeff was a great friend. He served as my counselor in the Bishopric of the Young Single Adult Ward (Durham Third Ward) from the time it was formed until he left to go to Texas. I cannot believe he is gone. I Will always love and remember him.
Dear Smith family,
I was deeply saddened to hear about Jeff's passing. He was a wonderful neighbor and friend, and his presence in every community he resided will be greatly missed. I will always remember his kind and friendly nature, and the warmth he brought to our neighborhood. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. Jeff's memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
With sympathy
I just learned of Jeff's passing. He was so kind, loveable, funny and compassionate. He'll always be one of my favorite bosses of all time. Truly missed but never forgotten. May God rest your beautiful soul.
