Jeffrey was born June 25, 1949 in Lodi, California to William and Darlene Kooyman. He was the first of six children. After a short illness he died June 8, 2017. He was raised on his family’s dairy in Thornton with his brother and cousins with whom he attended St. Anne’s Catholic School. In 1962 at age thirteen Jeff moved to Lodi with his family and attended Lodi High School. He joined the chess club where he became champion. He continued his studies at the University of California at Davis earning a degree in electrical engineering, then to UC Berkeley for a master’s degree. Jeffrey suffered from a mental illness but found brightness in his faith, music, family and friends. He was a gifted pianist, composing and playing melodies spontaneously, leaving captive listeners in awe. Jeff’s dedication to the Lord was evident through his daily visits to church. His bible was read so often that it no longer has a cover and the pages are folded and worn. He loved his family and wrote beautiful, personalized poems on birthdays and holidays. Jeff always looked forward to family celebrations and magically came to life as Santa and the Easter Bunny for his nieces and nephews. He enjoyed riding his bicycle, delivering newspapers to many in the community and visiting friends daily at local establishments.
Jeffrey is survived by his stepmother Judy Kooyman, brother Rodney Kooyman (Yingying), sisters Carol Kooyman, Ellen Kooyman, and Kathy Hanna (Bryan), and 11 nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents William and Darlene Kooyman and his brother William (Billy) Kooyman.
The Rosary will be recited at Donahue Funeral Home at 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 18, 2017. A Mass will be held at St. Anne’s Catholic Church on Monday, June 19, 2017 at 10 a.m. A reception will follow at the hall.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 215 W. Walnut Street, Lodi, CA 95240 or the American Cancer Society , 207 E. Alpine Avenue, Stockton, CA 95204. -