Staggs, Jeff 05/14/1944 ~ 09/17/2014 SAN DIEGO -- It has been said that "a father is a son's first hero." Our hero, Jeff died suddenly and peacefully in his sleep Wednesday, September 17, 2014. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 38 years, Sarah, sons Nathan, Jordan, Blaine and daughter-in-law Sarah, sisters, Christi Moore and Suzanne Hlavacek, and many, many family members and friends who adored him. Jeff's football career spanned nearly 15 years in San Diego starting at Point Loma High with Coach Bennie Edens, then to San Diego City College where he was a Junior College All-American. Jeff moved on to Don Coryell's team at San Diego State and his mother Barbara was forever grateful to Coach Coryell and his amazing staff for taking Jeff under their wings and helping him to find his passion and his calling. Jeff was honored to be inducted into the San Diego State Hall of Fame in 2009. In 1965, after his junior season, Jeff was selected as a "future" in the third round of the AFL draft by his hometown Chargers. He became a starting linebacker as a rookie with the Chargers in 1967 and was runner-up for the AFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Jeff also played for the Los Angeles Rams and St. Louis Cardinals before concluding his career with the Chargers in 1974. "Football doesn't develop character. Football exposes Character," and Jeff was a true man of character. His greatest legacy was not football but rather the family and friends he touched. There wasn't a single friend he made, that he didn't keep. A Celebration of Life will be held at The Church of the Immaculata at the University of San Diego on Friday, October 3, at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow at the Fowler Athletic Center at SDSU. In lieu of flowers, the Staggs Family has asked that donations be made in Jeff's honor for a football student/athlete Scholarship at San Diego State: The Campanile Foundation - Aztec Club SDSU Athletics, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-4313.

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Sep. 28, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Jeff Staggs

23 Entries

A T Burke

September 22, 2025

Rucker and I sill remember you to each other and did in our last conversation about a month ago.

Your 8th grade pal,

Tom

A T Burke

September 22, 2024

Jeff..

Geeezzzz... 10 years now. Still as Rucker and I turn 80 this year without you we still remember you kindly.

Tom Burke

A T Burke

September 22, 2023

Yo, Rucker...

Legacy just sent out Jeff's passing reminder. If you got one too and are checking this out you will know that I have not forgotten Jeff as either my 8th grade friend your your best friend for all his life.

I take this occasion to tip my hat to Jeff and say "Howdy." to you at the same time.

Tom

Tom Burke

September 22, 2021

Hey Jeff,

In case your ears were burning, Gary Rucker and I still remember you to one another from time to time. Just thought you'd like to know.
Tom Burke

September 25, 2019

Hi Sarah and family. This is Cyndi Jo (Mitton) Means again. I realized when I sent my last message, I didn't provide any information for you to get in touch with me, if you wanted to. No requirement, of course. :) I am still best friends with Cathey (Eaton) Wentz and we get together every month or so for lunch or a movie, etc. I would love for you to meet us and we can all catch-up. I have been working as a prosecutor with the San Diego County District Attorney's Office for the last 35 years. (Who knew??) You can reach me via our Reception and they will forward the call to my line. (858) 694-4271 I think about you guys often, and I always remember Jeff!! And again, the picture in the obituary makes me smile and smile and smile!!!!! He was just the best ever!! I hope to hear from you. cjm

December 10, 2017

Well if you read this I am the great nephew and I am honored to have him as a great uncle

-some Olson

Laurin SALTZMAN

August 20, 2015

Sarah. Not sure if you remember me from kori of California days. I just heard of jeffs passing and I just want to say how sorry I am I do hope your well

Jan Spielberger

August 3, 2015

So very sorry to hear about Jeff. I knew him when I worked at George Foster's and will always remember him and his German Shorthair Toots. I left San Diego years ago and just found out about his passing. I'm know that he will be greatly missed. Glad to see that you were still together.
Jan

chip myrtle

April 8, 2015

Jeff was one of the 'good guys'.

February 10, 2015

Sarah, I just heard of Jeff's passing and was deeply saddened by his loss. I want to extend my condolences to you and your family. Jeff was a good man and will be missed. Tony Vacchi

October 14, 2014

Dear Sarah and family,
I am Cyndi Jo Means (formerly Mitton) and I was friends with you and Jeff in the 70s and early 80s. I came to your wedding. I hope you remember me. I was so sad to see that Jeff had passed, but so happy to see that you guys were married and together for so many years, with a happy life, children and many friends. (Of course, many friends!!) I remember you guys very fondly, and cannot believe it's been so long since I have seen you. I cannot bear to imagine the loss, grief, and sadness you are all feeling, and will feel for a very long time. I pray that you have all seen signs that Jeff is still with you, and watching over you, and will continue to see these signs for the rest of your lives. Please know that you are in my prayers every day. Also -- I love the photo in the obituaries -- it epitomizes Jeff's spirit. It makes me smile. Love and warmest condolences to you all. cj

Ginny Dahlen

October 14, 2014

So sorry we were out of state. Our hearts go out to you, Sarah, and your beautiful family. Jeff was a fellow student, employee and valued friend. Much warm aloha, The Dahlen Family

RIP BOJORQUEZ

October 10, 2014

SO SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT JEFF I JUST FOUND OUT WED OF HIS PASSING MAY HE RIP IN PEACE OLD FRIEND FROM TE 60'S ALWAYS A FUNNY FRIEND WITH TOM KELLY LARRY OSBORN

October 3, 2014

Jeff You will be remembered by many for being a good man, with generosity, and a kind word for all. Thunder Thornton (teammate 1966)

steve and susi aldridge

October 2, 2014

I met Jeff many years ago on the beach at Ocean Beach..I was 6 years ahead of him at PLHS, but at OB it didn't matter if there was an age difference, we all were good friends....I remember one day at the beach a couple of older guys (could have been 3) were giving some of the younger OB kids some guff....Jeff got wind of it confronted the bullies and told them to knock it off...They made the BAD (really bad!) mistake of giving him some guff...Last I saw they were all in a pile...He was that kind of guy...always had your back...Through out the years I would see him on occasion and he always greeted me like an old friend...I saw him last at Bennie Edens service...We have lost a really great guy and an OB legend....Rest in peace old friend......steve aldridge PLHS 56' (still in OB)

Nucci Family

October 1, 2014

We have no words to express the great sadness we fill in our hearts for our sweet Staggs Family. It still has not sunk in that Jeff has left this earth and moved on to heaven. You are family and we love each one of you immensely. What a blessing that you were all together in Mexico and for the wedding. What a blessing that he did not suffer. What a blessing he was in our lives. So many memories. We will miss him so very much. We are here for you. We will all lift you up in prayer and pray you through this terrible loss.
We love you, Steve, Holli, Jake, Olivia and Isabella

Cheryl Millen foley

September 30, 2014

Forever in my heart and memory. My prayers for the entire family. I will remember and miss him always. Rest in peace Jeff Cheryl

Larry Ahern

September 29, 2014

I first met Jeff after high school (Kearny Hi,'61) when we both worked at Save-Co in San Diego. Jeff and his co-harts came from Pt. Loma Hi, and a bunch of us from Linda Vista, Kearny Hi. For the next few years, '61-'64 we worked together as bag boys and stock clerks. Being somewhat smaller than Jeff (who wasn't) he would use me to bench press. All of 150 lbs. Jeff would continue to go to SDSU and become the hero to others he was. My last memory of seeing Jeff was in Chicago (Charger's vs Bears) when another pal of ours Cal Blair paid a visit to Jeff at the game and he brought us down to the field while they were in the middle of the game. Jeff was always a warm and friendly guy. RIP Jeff. Larry Ahern, Kearny Hi. '61

Heather McMahon-Brittain

September 28, 2014

Hi Sarah and family. I just want to send my condolences to you all about Jeff. I have been thinking about all of you and have said many prayers for you all. Jeff was a amazing guy and was very loved by my family especially my dad. My love and prayers to all of you during this time. Heather ( Mike McMahon's daughter)

Marilyn Gerhard

September 28, 2014

We became friends with the Staggs family when our sons played soccer together. It is with such sadness to hear of Jeff's passing. Jeff was always one of our favorite dads on the team. He was a true gentleman, and I remember how he would worry about us being too cold at the soccer matches and give up his coat, blanket, or whatever to keep us warm. On behalf of my family, I would like to offer our condolences to the family. He will be missed.

Jean Knobbe

September 28, 2014

As is everyone who knew and loved him, I am saddened by Jeff's passing. Our neighborhood just won't be the same without him. My love goes out to you, Sarah, and your boys. Love, Jean Knobbe

A. T. Burke

September 28, 2014

Jeff and I got to be pretty good friends in the 8th grade at Dana. Summer came; we lost touch for three months and seemed to go different ways in the 9th. Still, all through PLHS and then SDSU (SDSC then) every time we ran into each other, for the two to fifteen minutes we'd talk, it was as if we were in the 8th grade again. No matter how long a time in between seeing Jeff, he remained a good man to have as a friend. He was the kind of person you'd hope your kids would have as a friend.

What a loss!

A. T. Burke

September 28, 2014

My deepest condolences for your loss.

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