Jeffrey Alan Perry, Jr.

Jeffrey Alan Perry Jr., 37, formerly of Berrien Springs, Michigan, passed away on October 1, 2026, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was born on March 21, 1989, in South Bend, Indiana, to Jeffrey Alan Perry Sr. and the late Aunnean Hearington.

From a very young age, Jeffrey was an exceptionally bright, curious, and engaging child. Possessing a remarkable vocabulary and an ability to express himself well beyond his years, he had a natural gift for conversation and connecting with people. He was precocious, quick-witted, and full of wonder about the world around him. His infectious laugh, gentle nature, and trusting heart made him easy to love, and friendships seemed to come naturally to him.

Raised primarily by his father in Berrien Springs, Michigan, Jeffrey attended The Village Seventh-day Adventist Elementary School, where he developed a close-knit circle of friends, many of whom remained important to him throughout his life. He participated in the Wolverines Pathfinder Club and played trumpet in the school band, following in his father’s musical footsteps. Like many boys his age, he spent countless hours with his friends riding BMX bikes, skateboarding, and discovering music. It was during these years that he began learning to play guitar, an interest that would remain with him into adulthood.

Jeffrey later attended Andrews Academy in Berrien Springs, Enterprise Academy in Kansas, and Riley High School in South Bend, eventually earning his GED. As he grew older, his natural curiosity developed into a fascination with philosophy, spirituality, literature, and the deeper questions of human existence. He was particularly drawn to the writings of Friedrich Nietzsche and the music and poetry of Jim Morrison. An avid reader of biblical scripture, Jeffrey enjoyed exploring the lesser-known passages, historical accounts, and theological complexities of the Bible. He loved a spirited discussion and could enthusiastically debate matters of faith, philosophy, and history with anyone willing to engage him. His interests were wide-ranging, and his mind was seldom idle.

Music remained a constant in Jeffrey’s life. He became an accomplished recreational guitarist, appreciated musical styles ranging from classic rock to underground rap, and dreamed of someday playing in a band. He also enjoyed painting, art, and Notre Dame football. Equally comfortable working with his hands, Jeffrey had a natural mechanical aptitude and an interest in automobiles, tools, and machinery. Throughout his adult life, he worked in automotive parts, construction, and landscaping, finding satisfaction in practical work and the ability to build, repair, and create. During his time at UltraCamp, LLC of Niles, Michigan, where he performed construction and general maintenance work, Jeffrey was well-regarded and appreciated for his abilities, work ethic, and personable nature.

Jeffrey’s journey through life was not an easy one. Difficult experiences early in life were followed by years of personal challenges and a prolonged struggle with addiction. Those struggles brought setbacks, interrupted relationships, and often stood between him and the life he hoped to build. Yet they were never the whole of who Jeffrey was. Behind the difficulties remained the intelligent, compassionate, funny, and deeply feeling person his family and friends knew and loved. He was a man of contradictions at times, capable of great warmth and generosity even while struggling to find lasting peace and stability in his own life.

Despite those challenges, Jeffrey retained a remarkable ability to connect with others. He loved his family, cherished his friendships, and had a particular affection for his siblings, cousins, and extended family. Those who knew him often remember his quick wit, his enthusiasm for conversation, and his ability to make people feel welcome. At the time of his passing, Jeffrey was employed by Total Lawn Care in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where his coworkers described him as a positive presence, a valued member of their team, and someone who made the workday better for those around him.

In the final chapter of his life, Jeffrey was looking toward a future that meant a great deal to him. He’d begun working towards sobriety at Inspiration Ministries in Huntertown, Indiana, and he and his fiancée, Taryn Collins, were making plans to marry and build a life together. At 3:12 PM, on September 28, 2026, they welcomed their daughter, Odeimine, whose name is associated with the strawberry, or heartberry, in Anishinaabe language and tradition. Jeffrey was able to spend precious time with Taryn and their newborn daughter in the days following her birth. By all accounts, he was overjoyed to become a father and looked forward to a new beginning centered on the family he loved.

That future, heartbreakingly, was not to be. Jeffrey’s life ended far too soon, leaving behind both the sorrow of what might have been and the many memories of who he was. His life was neither simple nor without hardship, but it was a life filled with curiosity, humor, affection, and moments of genuine connection, and he was loved. He was more than the difficulties he faced, and more than the circumstances of his passing.

Jeffrey was preceded in death by his mother, Aunnean Hearington; his sister, Alexandria Hearington; his brother, Devon Jastrembski; his paternal grandfather, Loren Russell Perry; his maternal grandfather, Julius William Hearington; and his great-grandmother, Hazel (Harrison) Perry, to whom he was especially close with as a young boy.

He is survived by his father, Jeffrey Perry Sr.; his newborn daughter, Odeimine Perry; his fiancée, Taryn Collins of Michigan City, Indiana; his sisters, Asheli Evans of South Bend, Indiana, and Eva Perry of Edwardsburg, Michigan; his much beloved paternal grandmother, Delores (Foll-Perry) Gilliland of Niles, Michigan; and his maternal grandmother, Mary Elizabeth (Price) Hearington of Buchanan, Michigan. He also leaves behind his beloved uncle, Shane William Hearington; his beloved aunt, Joelle (Perry) Ashley; his uncle, Dan Ashley; his much-loved cousins, Josh and Hannah Ashley; his cousin, Sierra Gabrielle Hearington, with whom he shared a special bond; and many more aunts, uncles, cousins, and close friends who loved him dearly.

For those who knew Jeffrey, his memory will live on not only in the sadness of his absence, but in the memory of his irrepressible spirit, the conversations he inspired, the music he loved, and the affection he so freely shared. His story is a reminder that a person’s worth cannot be measured by their struggles, and that even an imperfect and difficult life can leave behind a lasting legacy of love.

The family will remember Jeffrey privately. A Celebration of Life is being planned for October 20, 2026, in Buchanan, Michigan.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Allred Funeral Home. www.AllredFuneralHome.com.