On September 24, 2026, our family said goodbye to a man who was so much more than a Husband, Father, Papa, Son, Friend and Brother. Jeff was a home. He was the person whose presence made ordinary days feel special, whose love held our family together and whose absence has left a space that can never truly be filled.

Jeff was born on January 21, 1968, to James Donlevy McCallum and Sharon Kay Wasalaski. On April 26, 1986, he married the love of his life and his best friend, Cindy McCallum. From that day forward, they built a life together. One filled with love, family, memories, laughter, challenges, and countless moments that will now be treasured more than ever.

Jeff’s greatest joy in life was his family. He never needed anything fancy to be happy. His favorite place to be was wherever his family was. He loved spending time with the people he loved and some of his happiest moments were simply being surrounded by them or getting the call for some “Quality time.”

And then there were his Grandchildren.

They were the apple of his eye.

There was a special kind of love in the way Papa looked at his Grandchildren.

Zachariah, Lilyana, Zammis, Delilah, Elora, and Emma brought light to his life that was impossible to miss. They weren’t simply his Grandchildren—they were pieces of his heart. Every memory they made with him will become a part of the legacy he leaves behind.

Jeff found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. Finding a good deal on clearance, taking a nap on his grandma’s porch swing at the cabin or casting a pole or two salmon fishing. He loved sitting on his porch, settling in with a stogie in hand and losing himself in a game on his phone. These little pieces of his everyday life may seem simple, but they are exactly the memories his family will hold onto—the moments that made him—HIM.

He was the kind of man whose absence will be felt in the little things.

In the empty chair.

On the porch.

In the quiet moments when someone reaches for the phone to share something with him.

In the family gatherings where everyone instinctively looks for him.

In the stories that begin with “Remember when Dad……”

And in the hearts of six Grandchildren who will grow up carrying their Papa’s love with them.

Jeff leaves behind his beloved wife Cindy, who shared more than 40 years of marriage and a lifetime of memories with him. His children, Timothy (Meghan), Melissa, and Stephanie. His Grandchildren, Zachariah, Lilyana, Zammis, Delilah, Elora, and Emma. His loyal family dog Daisy, and six brothers, Steve, Scott, Rob, Tony, Mervyn, Chris and James McCallum. Along with many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, James D. McCallum and Sharon K. Wasalaski. His in-laws, Lila M. and Robert E. Hoeksema. His grandparents, Phyllis and Ambrose Wasalaski. And his faithful family dogs Noel and Sweetie.

Jeff has now gone to be with his grandmother and those who were waiting for him on the other side. While our hearts ache because we wanted more time, we can take comfort in knowing that the love he gave us does not end with his passing.

A Father’s love doesn’t disappear.

A Grandfather’s love doesn’t disappear.

A Husband’s love doesn’t disappear.

A Brother’s love doesn’t disappear.

It stays in the stories we tell, in the lessons he taught us, in the laughter we remember, and in every piece of ourselves that came from knowing him.

DAD, PAPA, HUSBAND, BROTHER—WE WEREN’T READY TO LET YOU GO.