Jeffrey Daniel Orndorff

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Jeffrey Daniel Orndorff, 74, of Morgantown, WV died in his home surrounded by family on August 23 after 11 years of battling Parkinson’s Disease. He was born in Winchester, VA on September 14, 1950 to Daniel Davis Orndorff and June Rae Orndorff. Jeff inherited his dad’s kindness and his mother’s forward-thinking, can-do attitude. Jeff grew up in the small town of Wardensville, WV where community was at the heart of his family’s life, a value he carried and exemplified throughout his own. Jeff graduated high school at 16 years old and earned a bachelor's degree in psychology and master’s degree in child development and family studies from West Virginia University. Jeff served in the Army Reserves from 1971-1977.

Jeff met his wife, Mary Catherine (Cathy) Mams in 1974 through the WV 4-H camping program and they married at Camp Pioneer in Randolph County on August 1, 1976. Cathy and Jeff started their marriage living in Welch, WV and moved to Petersburg in 1978 for Jeff’s new role as Extension 4-H agent in Grant County. In Petersburg, Jeff served as a volunteer firefighter, Kiwanis club and Lions club member, and served on the Board of the Main Street Methodist Church. In 1987, Jeff and Cathy moved to Morgantown when he accepted a job as a state 4-H specialist.

Jeff devoted more than five decades of his life to 4-H, beginning as a young member and later serving as a county youth development professional before spending 28 years as a state 4-H specialist. Along the way, he helped grow county programs, launched new foundations, and created camps and learning experiences that became a model for West Virginia and beyond. At the state level, he raised vital funding, directed camps that reached tens of thousands of youth, and built programs for underserved communities, military families, and international exchanges to Russia and Canada. After 41 years with the Extension YHB service, Jeff retired as an associate professor Emeritus for West Virginia University.

In addition to his professional service, Jeff was a 50-year 4-H leader and proudly supported the Southside Stars 4-H Club in Morgantown, where he continued to inspire and mentor youth in his own community.

Jeff’s work touched countless lives, and his efforts were recognized with many honors, including the Most Loyal Mountaineer Faculty Member award and several national 4-H distinctions such as being a pin-wearing All Star, the Meritorious Service Award, the Distinguished Service Award, and the award for Outstanding Service as a Board Member. In 2021, Jeff was inducted into the WV Agriculture Hall of Fame and the National 4-H Hall of Fame. More than the accolades though, Jeff will be remembered as a tireless advocate for young people, a creative leader, and a true believer in the power of 4-H to change lives.

Beyond his professional work, Jeff and his wife Cathy were active members of Suncrest United Methodist Church, where they shared their faith and served together as leaders in Celebrate Recovery. Jeff and Cathy also held season tickets to West Virginia football games, and he was a proud Mountaineer fan, through and through. Jeff completed his goal of reaching all 50 states by traveling to Anchorage, Alaska in July 2025.

Everyone who knew Jeff knew how much he showed up for the people in his life. Whether it was sitting proudly at every band concert and sports event for his four children or traveling across the state to celebrate weddings of 4-H’ers, Jeff was the man you could always count on to be there. His presence, encouragement, and steadfast support made people feel valued and loved, and that may be his greatest legacy of all.

He is survived by his four children, Sarah (Corey) Sesin of Leesburg, Va. Jessica (John) Willard of Arlington, Va., Joel (Larissa) Orndorff of Morgantown, and Meredith (Will) Brezinski of Beaverton, Or. His favorite role was that of “O” to his four grandchildren, Caroline and Ellie Sesin, and Alma and Celia Willard. Jeff is also survived by his brother, Mitch Orndorff (Pam), and his sister, Mary Rae Plasters (Sam). He is survived by his brother-in-law, Dr. Frank Mams (Robin) and his sister-in-law, Franny King (Karl), as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Jeff had many friends but his mentor, Reita Marks supported him with love throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and June Orndorff, and his in-laws, Joe and Polly Mams. The Orndorff family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to WVU Hospital, WV Caring and Dr. Mitchell for the compassionate and dedicated care they provided to Jeff. 

In keeping with his wishes cremation arrangements are being provided by Hastings Funeral Home.

Friends and family will be received at Suncrest United Methodist Church, 479 Van Voorhis Rd, Morgantown, on Sunday, August 31, from 3:00pm until 6:00pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at Suncrest United Methodist Church on Monday, September 1, at 2:00pm with Pastor Larry Buckland officiating.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Suncrest United Methodist, 479 Van Voorhis Rd, Morgantown, WV 26505 or Jeffrey D. Orndorff State 4-H Camp Fund (Fund#3V783) at Give.WVU.edu or by mail at WVU Foundation, 1 Waterfront Place, 7th floor, PO Box 1650, Morgantown, WV 26507-1650 with “IMO Jeffrey D. Orndorff 3V783” in the memo line.

Send condolences online at hastingsfuneralhome.com