Rev. Jay E. DeNeff

My sincere sympathy to your family in the loss of your father & grandfather. Rev. Jay was the youngest sibling of my Grandma, Nora DeNeff Mokma.
Praying for you!

Last night, I learned that my first pastor, Rev. Jay DeNeff, passed away. He was a special figure in my life, not only because he was my first pastor during my younger years, but also because of his wonderful qualities.

He had a remarkable ability to connect with kids like me. He could make the sound of a train whistle and happily did so whenever we asked, much to our delight. After the morning or evening services, he would bring out a gumball machine filled mostly with M&Ms, so we could grab a few as we left for home.

I also fondly remember the golf games he played with my dad. I even witnessed Pastor DeNeff get a hole-in-one once, which I thought was amazing as a young kid. There was a time when I had a terrible stomachache at school, and since my mom couldn't drive, Pastor DeNeff picked her up and took me to the doctor. He also drove my brother, Brian, and my dad to Borgess Hospital late at night when my brother was diagnosed with diabetes.

What stands out most in my memory is that Pastor Jay DeNeff was always there for us. He was present! Thank you for being such a wonderful godley example!

My prayers and thoughts to the family!

Bradley Harris