Jeff graduated with a business degree from Davenport University then a Master's degree in Education from Michigan State University. He later started his own business, Dykehouse Photography, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Jeff's passion was photography.
Jeff became well-known for his contributions to the community, including Emily's Big Picture Project, named for his daughter who died of leukemia when she was 14 months old. Jeff worked with hospice families and provided them with a one of a kind, fine art black and white family portrait, free of charge. Jeff wanted to make sure that families facing such a difficult situation had a beautiful family portrait that would help them remember and heal.
In 2010, Jeff was hired by the Sierra Vista Police Department as a full time police officer. Jeff graduated from the Central Arizona Regional Law Officer Training Academy in Coolidge, Arizona shortly thereafter. Jeff was well respected and loved by the entire law enforcement community. He gained a reputation for diligence, work ethic, integrity and the desire to help crime victims. He volunteered many hours taking photographs in the community and for the City of Sierra Vista, including the annual Foot Pursuit 5K.
Jeff served the City of Sierra Vista for just over a year before returning back to Michigan to be closer to his family. Jeff continued to serve as a functioning reserve officer for SVPD and had hopes of returning to Sierra Vista one day. He also served as a reserve Deputy for the Kent County Sheriff's Office while living and working in Michigan. Jeff had 6 children. His hobbies included biking, running, hiking, scuba diving and snowboarding. Jeff was killed July 9th 2014 when he was struck from behind by an SUV while biking in Ada, Michigan. His service will not be forgotten.
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