It is with heavy hearts, but also a sense of profound gratitude and joy, that we say goodbye to Jeffery Alvin True, a man who made everything bigger, bolder, and better, right down to his spirit and heart. His life was a testament to love, resilience, and the kind of joy that filled every room he happened to walk into.
Jeff was born on January 28, 1974, in Beckley, West Virginia, where he spent his early years before moving to Louisville, Kentucky, with his family. He graduated from DuPont Manual High School and later attended the University of Louisville, where his love for the Cardinals took root.
Jeff worked for nearly 30 years at General Electric, where he became a respected and dedicated employee. Throughout his life, he remained deeply connected to his roots, his family, and his community, always striving to make a positive impact wherever he went.
Jeff was a relentless fighter, a beloved son, a devout father, a protective big brother, a loyal friend and an unwaveringly devoted husband who truly lived life to the fullest—whether that meant hiking a mountain, running a marathon, or passionately discussing the latest Oscar picks.
After seven years of fighting a fierce and remarkable battle with stage IV colon cancer, surpassing all the odds with a smile on his face until the very end, he is finally free from the pain and struggle that couldn’t define him. As his favorite U2 song goes, “Free at last. They took your life. They could not take your pride.”
Cancer DID NOT win—not in the way it was supposed to. It may have stolen his body, but it could never touch the strength of his spirit. And that, dear friends, will live on forever.
Known for his smile, his laugh, and his complete refusal to take life too seriously, Jeff was the kind of guy you just couldn’t help but love. An exceptionally proud dad to his greatest joys, Jacob, Mallory, Grace, Deborah and Brittnelle, he was a dad who never met a challenge too big or a heart too small to love.
He lived with a heart so large it could only be described as boundless. If there was an adventure to be had, a mountain to climb, a marathon to run, belting out The Humpty Dance at his favorite Karaoke bar, or navigating the next round of board games, you could count on him to be right there with you—sometimes in the front, sometimes slightly behind, but always with the heart of a champion, bringing everyone along for the ride.
One of his greatest joys was music—and not just as a listener, although he did love a good 80’s hair band, Jeff was the mastermind behind the family’s yearly karaoke concerts, where he’d bring everyone together for a day filled with laughter, love, and, of course, a bit of good-natured off-key singing. He took it seriously—assigning songs, creating lineups, and even learning to play the guitar so he could lead a song or two himself.
It wasn’t just a day of fun; it was his way of weaving his family closer together, of creating memories that would last long after the music stopped. There was no shortage of enthusiasm in those concerts, and you could always count on Jeff to give it his all, whether he was shredding a guitar solo or singing a heartfelt ballad.
Though he was a passionate, sometimes fiery, conversationalist, his love for people was undeniable. He could hold a debate about nearly anything—sports, politics, religion, movies, or what makes a truly great Oscar-winning film—without ever shying away from a good challenge.
In fact, his debates were never really arguments; they were invitations to think deeper, laugh harder, and love stronger. And no matter how heated the conversation, it always ended with a drink, a laugh, and a deeper bond.
Jeff was a selfless, kind, and compassionate man who constantly looked for ways to serve others. Whether it was mentoring a child, offering a word of encouragement, or simply showing up for someone in their time of need, he always did it with the love of Christ leading the way. No topic was off-limits in conversation, from deep philosophical musings to which team was going to take the national championship. (Go Cards!).
Speaking of the Cards, his love for the University of Louisville was nothing short of legendary. If there was a Cardinal game on, you’d find him, his lucky red shirt, a loud voice, and even louder clap, cheering them on from the stands or from his living room TV. L’s up!
But Jeff didn’t just live for the moment—he lived for the adventure. Despite his diagnosis, he refused to let cancer take away his love of exploration and travel.
His wanderlust took him to the far corners of the world, and in each place, he found not only breathtaking landscapes but a deeper connection with life. He hiked to the top of Half Dome in Yosemite, trekked the ancient Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and stood in awe at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem. Watching the sunrise from Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, he marveled at the beauty of the world and found peace in its stillness.
Through every adventure, Jeff taught those around him the true meaning of living. He inspired us to keep moving forward, to keep dreaming, to keep fighting, no matter what challenges we face.
Cancer could never take his desire to experience the world, and it certainly couldn’t take his courage. His passion for life, his sense of wonder, and his unshakable faith were a light that never dimmed, no matter how dark the days might have seemed.
Jeff loved Jesus more than anything, and that love overflowed in everything he did. A man of deep faith, he constantly challenged those around him with his favorite question: “What was your spiritual learning today?” He made us all sweat because we knew we were going to be on the spot with every visit.
His faith wasn’t just something he talked about; it was something he lived out every day. Whether he was fostering a child, giving an encouraging word, or serving his community, he made it his mission to show others what Christ’s love looked like in action. His legacy, built on kindness, selflessness, and a contagious love for life, will continue to inspire us all.
The impact he made stretched far beyond his immediate family and friends. In Uganda, a school bears his name, a lasting tribute to the way he poured himself into serving others. Jeff didn’t seek fame or recognition—that wasn’t his style-he just lived to make the world a better place, one person at a time.
His legacy will continue to change lives, just as he changed the lives of those lucky enough to know him.
Family was the heart of Jeff’s life, and it was his greatest pride and joy. He is survived by his devoted mother, Barb True, and his beloved father, Gary True. He was a loving big brother to Jason True and Karen Maynard, and an adored brother-in-law to Meredith True, Jon Maynard, Leesa DelRio, Paul DelRio, Brittany Goodin, and Chad Goodin.
Jeff was blessed with 15 nieces and nephews who loved him dearly, along with a large extended family of cousins and countless friends who will always remember his infectious laugh, kind heart, and unwavering support.
Above all, he is survived by his wife, Amy True—his high school sweetheart, soul mate, and the love of his life—who fought beside him every step of the way. Their bond was unbreakable, a love that transcended any obstacle, and together, they created a family that will carry on his legacy. His legacy of love will continue to shape and guide those closest to him.
His impact extended far beyond his family, leaving a community forever changed by his example. Though cancer may have taken him from us far too soon, we find comfort knowing that he is now “free at last”—free of pain, free of suffering, and free to watch over us from heaven. While he may no longer be with us physically, his legacy is immortal. Every smile, every act of kindness, every marathon run, every karaoke performance, every mountain climbed, and every debate will serve as a reminder of how to live a life that truly matters.
Rest easy, Jeff True. You were a fighter, a lover, a leader, and one of the best men to ever walk this earth. We’ll carry your legacy in everything we do and, as you always said, we’ll keep asking, “What was your spiritual learning today?”
Jeff and Amy found support and connection in PALTOWN’s online community for colorectal cancer patients and caregivers, COLONTOWN. The family requests that donations be sent to PALTOWN to support its many programs for patients and caregivers.
