Assistant Chief Jeffrey Lee Fields was a passionate man when it came to his family, his church, his fire department and his Zumba time! On 12/12/13 Jeff took command of a fire call for a wreck. Less than 24 hours later, he suffered a heart attack. He subsequently had quadruple bypass and returned home on 12/23/13. He was found dead Christmas morning, 12/25/13, at the age of 51. He is greatly missed by all of the people in his life and is survived by his wife, Lisa; his 20-year-old daughter, Emily Jo; and his 14-year-old son, Jeffrey Brice.
Jeff was a dedicated father who made providing for his family his top priority. He was Little League coach and Boy Scout leader for his son Brice, who was his shadow in most everything Jeff did. Jeff was his daughter’s beloved father and chief, as he had seen her through junior firefighter at 16, to rookie, to yellow helmet in the fall of 2013. He was so proud to have her follow in his footsteps! He was my greatest fan and supporter through many years of marriage. We would have celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary in February 2014.
Jeff was a faithful deacon and leader at Youngsville Baptist Church. He participated in many projects, both at the church and in his community. He was one of the most generous people I have ever known in sharing his time and ability. He brought joy to those around him and loved to be a part of the work at home, at the department, and in his community.
Jeff was an active member and assistant chief with Youngsville Fire Department in the truest sense of the word. He was usually first to the station and attended most calls. He was Fireman of the Year for several years and served nearly 30 years with his YFD brothers, sisters, and daughter. He sacrificed family dinners and holiday moments to be available when the call went out. He was a cheerful servant and loved working with and training the juniors and rookies. He loved to laugh and was known to be a prankster at times. He was considered a mentor, and many of his peers sought his counsel in dealing with their personal and fire lives.
Jeff loved his Zumba class, which he attended regularly three nights a week. He loved the music and the dance exercise, but mostly he loved the people! A Zumbathon was held in his honor to raise money for the First Out Phantom 5K, also in his honor, scheduled for 9/27/14 in Youngsville, North Carolina.
Jeff loved greatly, was greatly loved, and is greatly missed!
Beautifully written for Jeff. Not a day passes that we don’t think of him and miss him dearly. He was certainly a hero to many. Gone too soon. We love you ‘Uncle Jeffy’!
– KellyJeff Fields was my son-in-law, but I thought of him as my son that I never had. He took care of my husband and I as we grew older and couldn’t do some of the heavier lifting or work around the house. If Jeff heard me say, “I want”, he made it happen. He took care of his ailing Mom until her death one year before his own. He lived a life of serving others including his service in the US Marines. We all miss his laugh and his energy. He loved Youngsville and everyone he ever met. Rest in Peace. We love you still.
– Mary Buffaloe