effrey James Wolfe, 62, of West Deptford, formerly of Mickleton, went home to be with the Lord on May 21, 2025.
Jeff was born on April 5, 1963, in Vincennes, IN to James and Dorothy (Westfall) Wolfe. He graduated from North Knox High School (1981) and Asbury University (1985). After ringing bells for the Salvation Army in Indianapolis, Jeff worked as a sports reporter and editor at several newspapers across Indiana, beginning in near his hometown of Bicknell. In 1994, he began a 14-year run at the Courier-Post as a sports reporter and copy editor and completed his career as a news reporter at the Delaware County Times. Returning to his early love of agriculture fostered by raising cattle in the 4H club, Jeff brought his passion for storytelling to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture. He worked there for nearly ten years as a public information officer.
Jeff was a lifelong runner. He ran cross country and track in high school and college, was an active member of the Run856 club, and ran seven marathons and ten half-marathons. Jeff was also passionate about music, seeing everyone in concert, from U2 to Bob Dylan to 21 Pilots. His favorite band was Switchfoot, and he has traveled the country in recent years to attend concerts with friends. Jeff was a passionate sports fan of the Mets, Colts, Wake Forest Demon Deacons, Furman Paladins, and NASCAR drivers Ryan Blaney and Tony Stewart. His favorite team was the Indiana Pacers, who he was looking forward to cheering on to their first NBA Championship this year.
As a father, Jeff devoted countless hours to his sons. He shared his passions with them, taking them to numerous Pacers games, baseball and football games, NASCAR races, and concerts. He coached their youth sports teams and went with them on Boy Scout camping trips. After his sons followed his lead and started running, he went to almost all their track and cross-country meets. Most importantly, Jeff deeply loved his sons and guided them to Christ’s unconditional love.
He is survived by his sons, Ryan and Michael; their mother Linda, his spouse; his sister Lola (Isaac) Holscher and brother Bill (Sue); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to an evening visitation, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 6:00pm – 8:00pm, at Smith Funeral Home, and Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 9:30am – 11:00am at Smith Funeral Home, 47 Main Street Mantua, NJ 08051. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 28, 2025, 11:00am at the funeral home. Another visitation will be held on Friday, May 30 at Fredrick & Son McClure-Utt Funeral Home, 109 E 6th Street Bicknell, IN 47512 from 4 to 6 P.M. with a service being held at 6 P.M. with pastor Jonathon Hickman officiating, burial will follow at Mariah Creek Christian Church Cemetery, in Oaktown, IN.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions be made to your local Future Farmers of America chapter or to Emison United Methodist Church, 8725 N Church Street, Emison, IN.
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