Jeffrey H. Koontz

“My precious child. I love you and would never leave you. When you see only one set of footprints in the sand, it was then that I carried you.”
Our beloved father, grandfather, and brother, Jeffrey Koontz, of Jonesboro, went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 18, 2017. He was born in Brownsville, Texas, on September 6, 1950, to William and Rosemary Koontz, but spent most of his youth in Marked Tree, Arkansas, before moving to Jonesboro to attend Arkansas State University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in 1972.
Always open to a new adventure, his career led him to both Missouri and upstate New York, until he decided to come back to his home state of Arkansas in 1985 and take over the family business, where he and Carol raised their three daughters. Along with his strong work ethic and love for his family, he enjoyed and participated in many types of activities and adventures. He loved being on the water, whether it was Greers Ferry Lake or the blue waters of the Caribbean. He obtained his SCUBA certification in the early 1990’s and enjoyed many trips to various locations to dive with friends and loved ones. His favorite location to dive was Grand Cayman Island, where he would spend hours diving and snorkeling over the reefs. Not only was he an adventurer in the water, but also at home in the wilderness as he was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was also an active member of the Jonesboro Miata Club and took part in many drives throughout the state with his parents and friends in the club.
His love of God was always evident as he greatly enjoyed Sunday church service at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, and was a member of the church’s men’s club. When not at church, you could find him on the range practicing his new hobby of golf, or in his favorite chair with his beloved dog Manny, reading his latest book from the public library while eating a snack to satisfy his insatiable sweet tooth.
He had a very gregarious personality and was a gifted storyteller in that he could make the most mundane story come to life. Of all of his many accomplishments, he was most proud of being a father to his three daughters and “Poppy” to his six grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his father, William Koontz, and his mother, Rosemary Koontz. He is survived by many people who miss him dearly including his three daughters: Keri (Tommy) Higgins of Pensacola, Florida, Holly (Aaron) Turley of Jonesboro, Becky (Chris) Cole of Cabot, Arkansas, and his furry son Manny the Miniature Schnauzer. He is also survived by his brother Randy Koontz of Tempe, Arizona, and his sister Alyssa Koontz of Greenville, South Carolina. He was very proud of, and is survived by, his six grandchildren: Jordan Pickle, Gunnar Turley, Kaylie Pickle, Parker Turley, Wyatt Cole, and Will Cole.
Visitation and memorial service will be held at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 531 W. College, Jonesboro, on Wednesday, June 21. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am with the memorial service to follow at 11:00 am with The Rev. Hannah Hooker officiating.

To register online go to www.emersonfuneralhome.com