Jeffry Jay “Jeff” McCurdy of Ottawa, KS passed away Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at the age of 67 at Olathe Medical Center, Olathe, KS. Jeff was born May 30, 1957 in Ottawa, KS to Loren Eugene McCurdy and Kathy M. (Wiswell) McCurdy. He graduated from Ottawa High School with the Class of 1975 and had been looking forward to their 50th class reunion coming up this May.
As a kid, Jeff and his twin sister Janet enjoyed working together for several summers, de-tassling cobs in the cornfields. All the siblings have fond memories of Jeff riding his dirt bike, “grass” skiing, and fun days water skiing at Pomona Lake with family and friends. Jeff’s earliest job was working for a few years as a meat cutter at Waymire’s Grocery Store in Ottawa.
Prior to Jeff working with his Dad, Jeff’s brothers, Ted and Randy worked with their father at McCurdy Standard Service. In 1975, Jeff started working alongside his father Loren, at McCurdy Standard Service in Ottawa. In 1980, Loren and Jeff relocated to another Ottawa location at 17th & Main and opened McCurdy Auto Sales and Service until Loren’s untimely death in 1993. The legacy that Loren began years ago was carried on by Jeff where he continued to serve and touched the lives of every customer who walked through his door. The last several years, his friend and sidekick Ronnie Pilgrim, worked at the station with Jeff. Their antics brought a lot of amusement to customers. Jeff loved cats and adopted many strays that showed up on the property. He enjoyed morning visits with his sister Trela and her husband Gary. He loved mowing the family’s 10 acres, it brought him joy and was therapy. Family and friends meant everything to Jeff, and he loved being there for them. After their father’s passing, Jeff dedicated his life caring for his mother Kathy, until he himself passed. The level of impact he had on all who encountered him, friend or stranger, was matchless. He will forever be remembered for his humility, kindness, the joy of pulling pranks on us and that infectious laugh that we all loved. Jeff was best known for his unwavering generosity, heart of gold and for never hesitating to put others first.
Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Loren McCurdy, his brother, Ted McCurdy, and a nephew, Chad C. McCurdy. He leaves behind his mother, Kathy McCurdy, sister, Trela Sheffield and husband Gary, brother, Randy McCurdy and wife Gwynn, and twin sister, Janet Lysaught and husband Mark all of Ottawa, KS. nieces and nephews, Amanda McCurdy Pontius, Amie Sheffield Cleverley, Katie Sheffield, Gabe Sheffield, Kathryn McCurdy, Kevin McCurdy and Lauren Lysaught Parker, and many great nephews and nieces. Dr. Ernest Ojeleye and Joy Ojeleye were considered family.
To celebrate Jeff’s life, visitation will be Thursday, March 20, 2025 from 6-8 p.m. Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025 both at the Ottawa University Fredrikson Chapel, 1011 S. Cedar, Ottawa, KS 66067. Interment will follow at the Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, KS. You may make Memorial Contributions out to any charity or organization that you feel would honor Jeff. Better yet, please do unto others as Jeff did himself, helping and supporting others, not for a profit, but to show kindness and love to those in need.
Tell someone you love them today, because tomorrow is not promised…
