Jeffrey McGowan
June 26, 2014
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Service Details
On June 26, 2014, my son Jeffrey was taken from his sister, Deborah Joy and I by a long term illness. Only four months after the loss of his mother. I cannot express the depth of grief we feel at the passing of our loved ones.
Jeff’s life was music! Starting at a very early age he enjoyed both jazz and classical. Which lead to a passion to play the drums. He studied in Chicago and was accepted as a talented student of Roy Knapp and others that lead to a degree from Berklee College of Music in Boston, becoming a superlative drummer. Jeff was the percussionist for an orchestra that toured Central Europe in 1971 to Rave Reviews and returned to this country to play for a number of years. An exciting life indeed he lived.
Jeff you have always been my companion and best friend and I have cherished the many hours playing selections from the three thousand plus records in our collection on your HiFi. You enjoyed your model trains and working on electronics. Most of our projects were joint efforts and every moment with you was treasured. I could never have wished for a finer son and I am so impressed by your humanity, your spirit, and your passion for all things good. Jeff and Debbie shared a devotion and abiding love.
Your loss leaves us empty and alone, with only memories that will have to do.
Be at peace dearest, we love you son.
Your father and sister,
Jack and Deborah Joy
Jeff is survived by his loving father, Jack McGowan; and sister, Deborah Joy; nephew and niece, Robert and Nichole Allen.
Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2014 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street in Des Moines.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Clark L. Connell
07/04/2014
I was so saddened to hear about the passing of my good friend, Jeff. Jeff and I spent much time together talking about and listening to music on his state-of-the-art hi-fi system. I thought Jeff was the finest drummer I ever heard; his musicianship was extraordinary, and he could match any drummer in the world stroke for stroke.....and he was the epitome of 'cool'. I will miss my old friend, and every time I play, I will remember him and play with him in my heart and hands.
Jeanne Hermann
07/02/2014
My heart goes out to you in your loss.
Randy Mordini
07/02/2014
I am truly saddened by the news that Jeff has passed. He was such a phenomenal person, teacher and drummer who had such a major impact on my life.
Jeff inspired me to be my best, I could not have accomplished what I did without his guidance and inspiration. What a gift he possessed to have such a positive influence on an another persons life. I will always fondly remember his tales of meeting other famous drummers, Buddy Rich, Ed Schannessy, etc. I would never tire listening to him play....and he could play ANYTHING! He was the best! And of course, who could forget he was the first person I knew who had a Neru jacket. Jeff was the coolest person I knew. Thank you Jeff for everything, I am lucky to have known you and will always remember you. My condolences to Jack, Deborah Joy and all his family.
Alex Sandoval
07/01/2014
Jeff will always live in our hearts and in our memories. He is now in a much better place, where there is no pain, no suffering, no fear, no sadness, no tears, where there is only eternal happiness. He is in the presence of our loving Heavenly Father. I hope Jack and Debbie find comfort in knowing Jeff is now with his mother and with God.
Rus Rupe
07/01/2014
My deepest sympathy. Jeff was my drum teacher at PMC. Thanks to him ,I have enjoyed playing and entertaining for many years. I will not forget his passion for music and his willingness to pass on his knowledge to others like me.
Bob Duitch
07/01/2014
I am very sorry to hear of his passing so soon after his mother. Jeff played drums many times in my jazz bands. He also played for my aunt Helen Gale, also a jazz pianist, who recommended him to me over forty years ago.
He was a kind, gentle friend and a most versatile drummer. I am certain that he and his mother are now sharing their musical talents with the heavenly angels.