Jeffrey Richard White

Jeffrey Richard White

Iowa City

Jeffrey Richard White, 63, of Iowa City, passed away on April 22, 2024, at University of Iowa Hospital, in the company of many cherished loved ones, after a heroic battle with multiple myeloma cancer. Giving and thoughtful until the end, Jeff was an organ and tissue donor, passing the gift of life on to others.

Jeff was born to Jerry and Jan White on March 11, 1961, in Iowa City, Iowa. He graduated from City High in 1980 and attended the University of Iowa, where he played football. Jeff spent his adult years exploring new locales, befriending all he encountered, and gaining new skills along the way. His was, by any measure, the fullest of lives. He was most proud of being a Captain. As a young leader he captained both baseball and football teams. Through flight school and numerous hours of flying, he became an aircraft captain and instructor. Along the way he also studied maritime transportation such as tugboats, barges, pleasure cruisers, and sailboats. If it flew or floated, Jeff probably captained it.

For Jeff, family was the highest of priorities, and his big heart led him to Woodstock, Illinois to help with the struggle and passing of his brother John. He remained there for many months to provide comfort, care, and stability for the family and John White Stables.

In 2017, Jeff returned to Iowa City and wed the love of his life, Stephanie Gabel White. Together, they made their home, “The Farm” a place where all were invited, and unconditional love was constantly celebrated. As Jeff proclaimed in his last days, the secret he and Stephanie had discovered was to always “LuvUp!” Jeff had a gift of taking the time to make people feel special and welcome. He always noticed the small details in the big lessons of life.

Jeff is preceded by his father and mother, Jerry and Janet White, and brother John White.

Survivors include Jeff’s wife Stephanie White, sisters Becky (Linda Rohlfs), Kathy, brother J.D. (Darla), sister-in-law Lisa Jo White (Paul Flynn), and nieces and nephews Zachary, Rex, Logan, Sophia, Sam, Lucas, Paolo, Mila, Cooper, Drake, Ven, Sophia, and Ella. Also dear to his heart was his mother-in-law, “Mrs. Gabel.”

A celebration of Jeff’s life, featuring food, stories, and laughs, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 2 PM to 8 PM, at 4398 Napoleon St., SE, Iowa City, Iowa, 52240. In lieu of flowers, donations to Iowa City Hospice are welcomed.