Jeffrey Kern Obituary

Born on November 21, 1978, Jeff went to be with the Lord on August 10, 2021. He was born in Durango, Colorado on November 21, 1978.

Where does a Mother begin to tell a story of her son Jeffrey.

On the day he was born in Durango, November 21, 1978, he had to fight hard to live, as he contracted B-Strepp. He was in infant intensive care for three weeks fighting. The doctors and nurses said, "he's a strong baby, he will make it", and since that time he developed a will to persevere under the phrase of "let's do this".

On his third Birthday, Jeffrey received a children's metal John Deer riding tractor. He loved playing in the dirt and creating piles of rocks. Soon he was learning skills on Hillcrest Golf Course with his Dad, Rick Kern. Jeff had an eye for the grasses on and around the greens.

I never remember him saying I have a "goal". It was always, "I have a dream", and not only would he accomplish the dreams, he would help dreams happen for others also. Jeff and his wife Sunshine had a lot of sweet moments and dreams they built together.

Since Jeff grew up on the golf course, and working with his dad, he developed a true talent in the golf industry. When Jeff and Sunshine bought their first franchise, Southwest Greens, at age 20, this was only the beginning of what became a successful business. They had passion, pursued every challenge, and strived for perfection.

Jeff grew up with his sister, Jennifer, and a little brother, Jered. They would always giggle and tease their little brother, as kids do. They loved each other dearly and will always love each other to "Heaven and back".

Jeff was athletic and played baseball, ran cross country, golfed, wrestled, and skied throughout his life. He was an avid hunter in which he loved and looked forward to each year with the same hunting buddies. Since high school, they would gather each fall in the San Juan Mountains to hunt, laugh, and share comradery, all like brothers. They enjoyed the time, so.

While attending Smiley Middle School, Jeff would run cross country with a girl named Sunshine (Copeland). After graduating from Durango High School in 1997, he married Sunshine, on January 2, 1999. She was the love of his life. They bought their first franchise creating putting greens and settled in Grapevine, Texas, and their love bloomed for the next 23 years.

After developing the putting green and golf course design business in Dallas, the couple decided to pursue their dream ranch. They returned to Durango, Colorado, where their love began, and their hearts lead them - to what is now known as Sunshine's Crossing Ranch.

He loved Sunshine with his whole heart and always opened doors for her. Jeff was a true gentleman. They loved to travel each year and enjoyed Mexico the most.

Jeff was a good Christian man with a huge heart, striving to meet the needs of others. He accomplished great works while on this earth. Jeff was a good husband, son, brother, and friend to many.

We loved him so.

Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Rick Kern. He is survived by his wife, Sunshine, and their fur babies, his mother Lois Liggett, stepfather Jim Liggett, stepmother Susie Kern, mother-in-law Suzette Collette, sister Jennifer Kern (Liz Bainter, Ryley Bainter, Ashlyn Bainter), brother Jered Kern, stepsister Lori Moore (Joe, Braden, Tayci, Kayti), stepbrothers Tom Stacey (Beth, Jameson, Josie) and Doug Tatum(Ellie, David), sister-in-law Nicole Zufelt (Jayci Aragon, Zane Zufelt), grandmothers, Nancy Talley, Maureen Mangogna (deceased), step grandmother, Bonnie Liggett, step aunt, Gina Liggett, many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Jeff also enjoyed time with close friends and working companions including:

Stephen White, Wade Taylor, Tucker Sittner, J.B. Sittner, Derrick Chambers, Dan Strimple,

Weston Webber, Kyle Ehman, Jason Lang, Johnny Comacho, Jacob Hollings(deceased), Bev Beran, Jessica Marchetti, Lucille Horther(family), and many others with whom he was blessed during his life.

Love you, Mom.

Services will be held on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 12 noon, at the Fort Lewis College Concert Hall in Durango, Colorado. Internment will follow at the Greenmount Cemetery.