Jeffrey Lewis Spurrier

Jeffrey Lewis Spurrier of Grand Rapids, Michigan, clocked out of his earthly shift on June 3, 2025, likely with a sarcastic remark and a sports game on in the background.

Born in Des Moines, Iowa, Jeff was raised in Ames before moving to Pontiac, Illinois, where he graduated high school. A small-town kid with big stories like the time he once landed role in Li'l Abner and performed for then-Congressman Gerald Ford and Senator Everett Dirksen. It's unclear if Jeff's performance changed the course of history, but he certainly enjoyed telling the story like it did.

From 1971 to 1975, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy as a gunner's mate aboard the USS Haleakala, stationed in Subic Bay, Philippines. He returned stateside and made his home in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he spent 30 solid years at the General Motors 36th Street Metal Fabrication plant. His hands helped build the world; his one-liners made it more fun to live in.

A lifelong fan of anything with a scoreboard, Jeff had a special love for Michigan football (GO BLUE!) and any sport that involved a ball. He was a devotee of classic rock and roll, with a playlist that ran heavy on Steve Miller Band, Zeppelin and Springsteen. But his favorite soundtrack was the crackle of a campfire on the shores of Lake Michigan where he shared laughter and stories with lifelong friends under the stars.

He shared over 44 years of love, laughter and loyalty with his wife, Leslie Hotchkiss Spurrier, who somehow managed to keep up with his wit and his wardrobe of team gear.

Jeff is survived by his sister Jennifer (Tom) Rytlewski; special nephew Josh Spurrier; niece Amber Spurrier; great-nieces and nephew Alicya, Adriana, and Ryan Angeles; and his chosen family, Linda Luxon and Luanne Gabler. All of them-and anyone who ever sat around a campfire with him-will carry his gaze to the sky with them, whether watching for the green flash or tracking the International Space Station while Jeff yells "There it is!" from wherever he is now.

A celebration of Jeff's life will be held August 20 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Details will be shared as the huddle forms.

In lieu of flowers, consider raising a toast at a tailgate, star gazing, or retelling a Jeff story around a campfire.