We created this memorial to celebrate the life of Jeffrey D. Enyeart. Collecting your stories and memories here will offer us great comfort.
Jeffrey D. Enyeart, 60, of Chicago, Illinois, died early Friday morning, March 27, 2020, due to a motorcycle accident in Bisbee, Arizona. He was born March 19, 1960 in Wabash, Indiana to Terry Enyeart and Julie (Walter) Enyeart. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2020 from 1:00 - 3:00 PM at The Elks Lodge, 225 W Main St., Wabash, IN 46992. Drinks and snacks will be served. All are welcome, please bring stories to share.
Jeffrey was a 1978 graduate of Wabash High School. He then went on to graduate from Ball State University in 1983 with a BS degree in Marketing and Management, where he was also a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity and gained lifelong friendships. Jeffrey showed his knack for business and entrepreneurial spirit throughout his career. Over the span of his 24-year career with Enterprise Holdings, he worked his way up to become the Vice President/General Manager of Enterprise Holdings of Ontario Canada & the Greater Detroit Area until his retirement in 2007. He went on to own two of his own businesses as the President of Enyeart MotorSports in Michigan and as the Owner and Operator of an Allstate Insurance Agency in the City of Chicago.
He is survived by his three children, Jessica (Evan) Ronayne of Milwaukee, WI, Austin Enyeart of Phoenix, AZ, and Dylan Enyeart of Chicago, IL, his mother, Julie Enyeart of Wabash, IN, his three siblings, Thomas “Chops” Enyeart of Wabash, IN, T. Blake (Carol) Enyeart of Lukens Lake, IN, and Nicole (David) Rodecap of Auburn, IN, and his niece and nephew, Sydney Enyeart of Indianapolis, IN and Spencer Enyeart of Kokomo, IN, his step nieces Teca (Nick) Slone and Jaclyn Dove of Auburn, IN, and the mother of his three children, Joy (Scholz) Baer, of Brandon, FL. He was preceded in death by his father, Terry Enyeart, his sister, Lissa Enyeart, and his nephew, Alexander Rodecap.
As a true sports enthusiast, Jeff had an infinite love for attending any sporting event—from hockey (multiple Stanley Cup finals), to football (Super Bowl XXXVII), baseball (multiple World Series), European soccer (Arsenal!), Formula One racing, and nearly anything in between (including Olympics in ‘84 and ‘02). It was an enthusiasm he enjoyed sharing with his children, especially his two boys. The Raiders and L.A. Kings always held a special place in his heart throughout the years.
Jeff also had a passion for traveling and adventure, another attribute his children acquired from their father. He had an affinity for daring adventures and never let fear hold him back from experiencing new things and new places, including: bungee jumping over the Victoria Falls in Zambia, scuba diving with great white sharks off of the coast of South Africa, and exploring the Great Pyramid of Giza. He was blessed to have many travels throughout his life. In fact, there were only two remaining places that Jeff had not yet crossed off his bucket list: Alaska and the Great Barrier Reef. His children intend on visiting these places on his behalf.
Without fail, no matter what city, state, or country Jeff found himself in, he always searched for the oldest tavern, bar, hotel, or restaurant in existence to go visit. He was fascinated with history, and lived by the philosophy that, “If it’s been here this long, it must be good.” Jeff had an infectious smile and maintained his biting sense of humor throughout his life and could find it in nearly any situation, often ending every punchline or story with his distinct and boisterous laughter. His story-telling abilities were rivaled only by those of his own father, and he particularly adored telling embarrassing stories of his children, much to their chagrin.
Jeffrey was a beloved father, son, brother, uncle, and dear friend. He loved his children, loved to share unforgettable experiences with them that they will always cherish. Though he was gone much too soon, Jeff led a fulfilling life with incredible experiences. The end of a life is the sum of the love that was lived in it, and he truly lived a life full of love, joy, laughter, ambition and adventure. He will be forever loved, and dearly missed.
In lieu of flowers, please honor Jeffrey’s memory by donating to Mental Health America. Raising awareness of the struggles of mental illness is a mission that is near and dear to the hearts of the Enyeart family.