Jeffrey B. Hepburn

Urbandale

Jeff Hepburn, 61, Urbandale, IA, died Feb. 23, 2017, at Kavanagh House after a courageous battle with cancer. Visitation will be at Dunn's Funeral Home, 2121 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50312, on Saturday, March 11, 2017, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a memorial service at 1 p.m. A reception will follow at Central Academy, 1912 Grand Ave., from 3 to 5p.m.

Jeff was an incredible chemist, inspiring teacher, avid fan of the performing arts, chef, professional magician and wine connoisseur. He graduated from Ft. Dodge High School in 1973, earned his bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of Northern Iowa and a master's degree in science education from the University of Iowa. Teaching was his greatest passion, having a profound influence on countless students and teachers throughout his career. Jeff retired in 2012 from Central Academy in Des Moines, Iowa, where he taught Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) chemistry, with dual credits through Des Moines Area Community College. Prior to Central Academy, Jeff taught chemistry at Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines.

Jeff was internationally-recognized in his field, receiving many honors throughout his career. Among them was the James Bryant Conant Award in High School Teaching from the American Chemical Society in 2010. He was also a Presidential Award State Finalist, a Siemens State Winner for AP Teaching, received the Tandy Technology Scholar Award, and the Distinguished Service Award from the Iowa Science Teaching Section for the Iowa Academy. Jeff was an active member and served in many leadership roles in the American Chemical Society (ACS), was a team member for the Flinn Scientific Foundation Summer Workshop Program, was a consultant for the College Board, and an instructor for the AP Chemistry Preparation Program for AP chemistry teachers. He was also a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, the Society of American Magicians, and served as secretary and president of Justo Hijo Magic Club. He performed numerous chemical magic shows at science and chemistry conventions across the globe.

He is survived by his brothers, Scott (Denise) Hepburn, Greg (Kathy) Hepburn, and sisters Kim (Craig) Wiles and Dawn (Tom) Camamo. He is also survived by his significant other, Lisa Jones, former wife, Anne Hepburn, and several nieces and nephews. Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Georgann (Johnson) Hepburn. Special thanks to former student and oncologist, Dr. Dan Buroker, and the amazing staff on Powell 3 at John Stoddard Cancer Center and at Kavanagh House.

Memorial donations may be made to the chemistry program at Central Academy.Visit http://centralacademyalumninetwork.org/donate-new/ and follow the Donate link to the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines's donation page. Please include "Mr. Hepburn" in the Honorarium field or "Chemistry Department" in the Comments field. Alternatively, checks can be made out to the "Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines." Please list "Jeff Hepburn" or "Chemistry Department" on the memo line of the check, and send to: Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines, 1915 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by the Des Moines Register on Mar. 7, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Jeffrey Hepburn

Sponsored by Iles Dunn’s Funeral Home.

4 Entries

Zac

May 4, 2017

I just saw this. I distinctly remember Mr. Hepburn in my AP Chemistry courses at Central Academy. His enthusiasm for science is part of the reason i am still working for a science company as a programmer. He will be missed. His magic, his laugh, his enthusiasm. Thanks!

Judy Chamat

March 9, 2017

My deepest sympathy to Jeff's family. I enjoyed knowing Jeff when he was a teacher at Dowling Catholic High School. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

"Those who live in the Lord never see each other for the last time." - Goethe

Judy Seaver-Chamat, Dowlng Catholic High School

Kate Sosalla-Givens

March 9, 2017

I am so sorry for this loss. Mr. Hepburn was a wonderful teacher and friend. He has touched so many lives. I remember his class fondly and can't help but think of all the times he would make me jump by blowing something up. Somehow my seat was always assigned near the light switch so that I would be the one to turn the lights off and the class could get the most enjoyment out of my inevitable jump and scream. LOL I know it always made Mr. Hepburn laugh.

To this day, chemistry is one of my favorite subjects and I always get excited when one of my girls is studying the subject. And I still celebrate Mole Day every year.

Thank you Mr. Hepburn for all you did. I will miss your smile and wit.

Sincerely,
Kate Sosalla-Givens

Bob and Cindy Blincow

March 1, 2017

Jeff was a wonderful person and will be missed by all who knew him.

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