Jeffrey Alan Smith
What do you remember about Jeffrey? Share your stories and photos here, and invite others to come share their memories.
Jeffrey Alan Smith, 68, peacefully passed away on September 9, 2022, surrounded by loved ones, after a valiant battle with prostate cancer.
Jeff was born at 2:50pm on October 7, 1953 to Clifford and Donna Smith in the city of Pontiac, IL. After Jeff graduated from Thornridge High School in Dolton, IL, he pursued a degree in accounting at University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, CO, on a golf scholarship. While there, he also loved to ski.
After graduation, Jeff established a printing business in Denver, CO, which he sold before he moved to California. He worked as a stockbroker and a financial investor for several large companies and later started his own Accelerated Capital Group in Irvine, CA in 2010. He retired in 2016 after 26 years of work in the investment field. While retired, Jeff avidly pursued his loves of golf and wine.
In 2011, he met Feng Liu-Smith, the love of his life and longtime companion. He was a devoted and loving stepfather to Judy and Kathy. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Feng Liu-Smith; his daughters, Judy and Kathy Guo; his mother, Donna Smith; and a host of other relatives and friends. He is predeceased by his father, Cliff Smith.
"Make par, not war," was Jeff's favorite line. He lived by it - he was an excellent golfer, and he also made this world a better place for many others. Starting as early as high school, he helped to organize food and clothing drives for needy families and children. He continued to do so as an adult, starting the Rooster's Food Drive in 1997 to help families in Orange County. Initially, his drive served about 100 families a year, but expanded to help over 4,000 families a year by 2020.
Jeff was always a positive person. We all live in our minds, but Jeff's world was particularly beautiful and loving. We were blessed to be a part of his world and he will be missed.