I think the statute of limitations has passed, so these stories will not incriminate anyone. Jeff and I spent a lot of time together in high school…. Woodlake high our  junior year specifically. Jeff and I decided we needed to add to the school spirit of our rival football game with Exeter and for whatever reason decided it would be a good idea to put a giant W on the Exeter football field before our big game. What could go wrong? Armed with a little Hudson sprayer filled with Round-up we headed to our rivals field a few days before the big game, you know….so the roundup could do its job and show off a nice big W on their previously well manicured field :) Of course we did this at midnight, climbing over multiple fences to spray the big W on our side of the stadium. When we were done and trying to quickly escape, we saw some patrol spotlights and knew we were in deep shit. We were able to get to our car and race into a nearby neighborhood to ditch the cops pursuing us. We had to pull into someone’s driveway and pretend we belonged there, holding our breath, turning the lights off and hunkering down. The cops sped past us eventually and when we decided enough time had gone by and the coast was clear we somehow peeled out and got out of town without being arrested. Another close call in our many ill advised adventures.. :) 

I’m additionally reminded of one Halloween night when there wasn’t much going on in Three Rivers. Being seniors in high school, Jeff and I decided to cruise downtown as there were a number of other high school boys hanging out looking for something to do and it just so happened that between us we had a few dozen eggs that hadn’t yet been used for nefarious purposes. We decided to drive up North Fork to hang out on our property where there was an Orange Grove right next to the road. We noticed that a sheriff had followed us so we decided it would be a really good idea to wait for him to come back down and ambush him. After all..we had the eggs that still needed to find a home. Eventually, he drove back by the property and at least half a dozen or more of us were ready with eggs in hand and we let him have it. Our aim was exceptional... Needless to say he was pissed and was on the loudspeaker yelling at us to come out and to give ourselves up immediately. We decided that wouldn’t be in our best interest and stayed put for an hour or so. Once he drove away back to the main drive, (so we thought) Jeff and I decided enough time had gone by and we needed to get home. We drove up North Fork to take an alternate route to get home just in case he was waiting for us. He was definitely waiting not too far away because we were pulled over immediately and put in the back of his patrol car. However..as many of you might all recall, Jeff  had quite the velvet tongue and we were able to evade any incarceration. We received a severe tongue lashing with a promise that our parents would be made aware of our antics. While we were receiving this tongue lashing the rest of the boys escaped without any consequence. I like to think we took one for the team..

There is also the time Jeff got kicked out of a casino in Tahoe when we were 17. I had won an all expense paid ski trip to the Heavenly Valley ski resort and of course I asked my best bud Jeff to come with me. They flew us first class and gave us a car and a driver. We had exceptional accommodations and felt like we had died and gone to heaven. We had the best time eating, drinking and skiing & it was all paid for on someone else’s dime! Flying high we decided to try our luck in the casino one night…Our plan was bulletproof, staying with the slot machines to avoid being carded and kicked out. To nobody's support I’m sure.. it all went south pretty quickly when baby faced Jeff was spotted and immediately escorted out :) I stayed a bit longer because I wanted to finish my beer and I had won a small jackpot and had to wait for the lovely attendant to come by and pay me out.  We had such a good time on that trip. I still smile thinking about it. 

Jeff was my constant partner in crime, my great friend, my co-conspirator, the first one down for a risky plan, a great man, a wonderful father, a loving husband, just an all around stellar human being. I was very lucky to know him and I miss him deeply.

Jana and all the family, my deepest condolences to you.  I am so sorry to hear about Jeff’s passing.  I remember the few times I visited the Lazy J  in the 80’s, the love and closeness of your family was a beautiful thing to see.  May the memories of your times together provide some comfort now. 

Much love,

Teri

Johnson family, my most heart felt condolences. Jeff was super dad. I have nothing but fond memories of sporting events and even waiting on Jeff and Diana when they’d come in for a date night (always twisted their arms for the margaritas!) at Fin’s. The man always had a smile. I’m sorry he’s no longer on this earth but I’m glad he can rest. Sending you all my love. 

-Colleen Gregory Stefanek