Jeffrey Michael Stone

Jeffrey Michael Stone, gifted musician, artist, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2025, in Ogden, Utah, at the age of 85. Born on April 29, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois, Jeffrey led a vibrant life woven with melody, creativity, and kindness that resonated deeply with everyone he met.

Jeff excelled in every field of interest that captured his heart during his long and creative life! As a profoundly talented jazz musician, Jeff was dedicated to sharing his passion for music. He loved to teach through essays and in person, regularly driving hundreds of miles to St. George, UT, to teach drums. His remarkable instrumental compositions earned numerous awards, a testament to his creativity and bright spirit. As a choral director at Congregation Kol Ami in Salt Lake City, he touched the lives of many, bringing joy through the power of song. Every Sunday for eleven years, he played the conga drums to accompany the band during mass at the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. His infectious laughter and love of humor were evident to all, as he delighted in making puns and spreading smiles.

 A graduate of the University of Utah, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in music, Jeff was known not only for his pianistic and drumming skills, but also for his remarkable ability to play the conga drums. He frequently showcased his talents at the George E. Wahlen Veterans Home in Ogden, UT, where he brought light and joy to the residents with his performances.

In addition to his musical prowess, Jeffrey was a man of many interests and talents. He was an exceptional athlete: an accomplished 40-foot-high platform diver, a bowler, a pool-player, and a champion yo-yo expert. His keen intellect as a mathematician was so pronounced, it garnered him a unique notoriety—he was once banned from casinos due to his remarkable mathematical skills! Jeffrey also embraced the great outdoors as an excellent golfer and swimmer, and he had a natural engineering flair, showcasing his inventiveness by building radios and small airplanes. His brother remembers the time Jeff fastened a tiny jet engine to his hand-made, 6-foot wingspan, model plane. When released, that plane flew higher and higher, disappearing into the clouds, as Jeff just laughed and let it go with joy! 

Jeff’s military service, of course, had to be with the Air Force, and he was stationed at Hill Air Force Base, where he served as a medic, further emphasizing his compassionate and kind nature. He cared deeply for others, always considering those around him and striving to make their lives better.

Over the last fifteen years of his life, Jeff was dedicated to finishing “The Drummer’s Guidebook.” He started writing this book in 2005 with his friend, Kirk Sharp, a classical percussionist with the LA Symphony. When Kirk died suddenly, Jeff vowed to complete and publish this work as a tribute to his friend. However, as Jeff’s Alzheimer’s Disease progressed, it became increasingly difficult for him to focus. When Jeff moved into memory care at the VA in Ogden, a dear family friend, David Marasco, took on the challenge to edit the many notes Jeff left behind. The family is very grateful to David, and we will continue the editing process. We hope to publish the book within the next two years as a tribute to Jeff’s incredible creativity and focus. He lived his life as a creative work!

Jeffrey leaves behind his loving brother and sister-in-law, Binney Stone and Nancy Sharpe; his nephew Marshall Pepe and wife, Kelly, and their children Katherine and Alex; his nephew Jason Pepe and wife, Debbie, and their children, Jackson, Nathan, and Riley; his niece, Rebecca Stone; his cousins, Bruce Bush, Ellen Schwartz, Janet Bush Epstein, Mark Bohrod, Georgi Bohrod Gordon, Neil Bohrod and Ruthanne Bessman Bohrod, Joel and Barbara Klein, and Bob Levine. His memory is cherished by his brothers in the arts, Dr. Frank Yanowitz, Joel Rosenberg, Jan Jensen, and Scott Larrabee; and by many other friends who mourn his passing while holding dear the many joyful occasions they shared, including David Marasco, Liza Marshall, Mimi Doudaniotis, Chad Patterson, and Carol Sharp.

Jeffrey is reunited in spirit with his beloved parents, Dr. Fred Stone and Florence Stone, as well as with his sisters, Donna Stone Pepe and Marla Stone Lyons, who have preceded him in death.

Jeff's legacy is one of creativity, warmth, and laughter. As we remember him, let us carry forward the joy he spread, his love for music, and the kindness he exemplified in every aspect of his life. His spirit will forever echo in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known him.

The family wishes to express profound gratitude for the kind and nurturing care that Jeffrey received from the entire staff at the George E. Wahlen Ogden Veterans Home over the last few years. Special thanks to Kristy Bomstead, SW; Crystal Shuler, Music Therapist; Judy Bacon, Activities Assistant; the RN’s and CNA’s, Kaylee, AnnMaree, Cynthia, Paige, Kennedy, Hallee, Maddox, Brenda, and many others. Your skill, patience, and kindness brought joy to both Jeff and our family. Thank you! 

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Utah Veteran’s Memorial Park Chapel, 17111 S. Camp Williams Rd., Bluffdale, UT, with interment following services, where full military honors will be accorded.

 Services entrusted to Lindquist's Ogden Mortuary.

To help future generations, Jeffrey has chosen to donate his brain to “The Human Brain and Spinal Fluid Resource Center” for research into Alzheimer’s Disease.

Please, no flowers. If you wish to acknowledge Jeffrey, then donate in his name to:

Alzheimer’s Research https://www.alz.org/

The Human Brain and Spinal Fluid Resource Center  https://uclabrainbank.org

The ACLU, which he supported for many years  https://aclu.org

 Thank you! 

"Heaven just got a little more stylish with Jeff on the drums!" (Scott Larrabee)