Jeffrey Ralph Bodin
September 6, 1953 – February 21, 2024
Jeff (JR) Bodin was born in Concordia, Kansas, before moving to Edmond, OK, in 1967. He called Edmond home until his passing on Feb. 21, 2024. His strength and athletic endurance gave him the will to battle stage 4-esophageal cancer, which unfortunately proved too advanced and took his life at the young age of 70.
Waiting at the gates of heaven were his parents, Norma and Ralph (Herkimer), along with his beloved dogs Stryder and Twiggy. He leaves behind his son Jason, grandsons Jude and Jonah, brother Scott, sister-in-law Julie, nephew Austin and his wife, Megan.
Jeff was a two-time (1974-75) national champion football player at the University of Oklahoma where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Finance. He loved to root on his alma mater, attending many OU sporting events with his mother and son over the years.
An avid lake-goer, JR was known for his ability to attack a slalom course with his silver surfer ski while sporting his signature tongue out look. At six-foot-four, it was truly a magnificent sight to see him cutting through the glass water to get around every buoy. JR also loved to garden and give away the fruits of his gardening labor. He showed his love by gifting his sweet potatoes, okra, squash, melons and other gardening items to friends, family, strangers and the local food bank.
He had a love for all types of music that ignited his soul, and this love for music was shared with his brother and passed down to his son and grandchildren. His favorite artist was fellow Oklahoman, Leon Russell.
“I love you in a place where there’s no space or time. I’ve loved you for my life, yes, you’re a friend of mine. And when my life is over, remember when we were together.” –Leon Russell–
Jeff was a friend to all and will be remembered for the good times he shared with us. We Wish You Were Here, but it was Time for you to Breathe your final breath so you could be Comfortably Numb and get to the Great Gig in the Sky. Shine on You Crazy Diamond!
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, February 26, 2024 at Matthews Funeral Home Chapel Edmond, OK.
We will be live streaming this service in an effort to accommodate those people that wish to attend but are not able to. To watch the service CLICK HERE to go to our YouTube page. Click on ‘Videos’, then ‘Live Streams’.
It was a joy to know JR for almost 50 years, and to share in his love for the water. Those three day weekends looking for the best water on Tenkiller, Oauchita, Greers Ferry, Lake Powell, and so many here on the Old River Lake in Arkansas, teaching our children how to slalom, tube, wakeboard, wakeskate, barefoot, and waiting for that glass so that we could hit the course ourselves……. will be cherished memories for the rest of our own lives.
It was hard to see him struggling so hard in this last fight, and so frail compared to those old memories. I have come to the conclusion that for most people, the real dignity when we leave this world, will be to be surrounded by loved ones, and I’m glad that JR had that dignified passing. Thanks to his family and friends who made that happen!
We will miss you Brother!
Thank you for the wonderfully written thought on JR!
Well Jeff you will be so missed by me. We had become best of friends only 13 yrs ago but seems like you were always there.
We shared so many thoughts and activities. You were there for me EVERY time I called or came by. We were at each others houses so many times and went to movies, music and some holidays together. You were more than a friend, you are family. Where will I go for a drop in visit? Life is made up of so many different characters and this makes an entire bouquet and you were part of my bouquet. I will love and miss you and I’m sure you know that!
Thank you for being there to support him!
At Edmond High School we knew him as “Jeff”, outstanding student athlete, and Bulldog. He came from wonderful parents, Norma and Ralph, whom we remember fondly also. Sorry we can’t be at the services to pay our respects to a special person.
Joe and Claudia Straw
Appreciate you taking time to leave a comment about Jeff. He’s a true Edmond guy through and through.
Jeff’s mom Norma was a friend and member of our Sunday school class at Edmond First United Methodist Church. She was a Sooner fan to the max and was very proud of his accomplishments. Norma must be beaming now as she has him in her midst with her newfound vision.
JR,
Although you have left the planet, you will live in my heart forever, by your kind words, actions, and deeds,
The picture with your head slightly tilted is classic JR, in my mind. Your speech, tone, demeanor, and diction were your most remarkable feature
An impact player on the field and off,
A group get-together would be just so-so, and then JR would appear. JR’s here! JR’s here! He was electric! He created a different dynamic then other people – a different feel to the mix of people around him.
You felt like a better person to just have known him and have been around him. He set the bar higher – a lot. You tried harder to be better around JR.