Pastor Jeffrey B. “P.J.” Haverfield, age 46, of Marion, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday evening, June 13, 2012, at his residence surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.
On May 27, 1966, Jeff was born in Mansfield, Ohio, the third of four children of Kenneth and Violet (Maglott) Haverfield.
He was raised in the Lexington Ohio area, where he graduated from Lexington High School in the class of 1984.
Following high school, Jeff moved to Columbus, where he worked in human resources at several different locations. While there, he met his wife to be, Roberta “Bobbi” Holbrook, at a Columbus Ski Club function. They quickly realized they were meant for each other and were married on May 18, 1996, at the Parkview United Methodist Church in Columbus. They have cherished their 16 years together, and have lovingly raised their two sons: Zac and Josh.
Shortly after they wed, Jeff, Bobbi and family moved to Pickerington in 1998, where they attended the Peace United Methodist Church. While there, he heard about and felt called to go on an Emmaus Walk in 2001, from which he “came back a changed man”. He knew he was being called to serve the Lord, and he redirected every bit of focus in his life for that calling.
Following through with his calling, in 2005, Jeff enrolled in the Asbury Theological Seminary School in Wilmore, Kentucky, where he earned his Master’s of Divinity in 2008. While there, he also served as a student pastor at the Carthage United Methodist Church in California, Kentucky.
After seminary school, Jeff was first appointed to the Troy First United Methodist Church in Troy, Ohio, to serve as an associate / youth pastor. In his three years, he forged incredible bonds with the entire congregation and especially the youth of the church. He was instrumental in helping with their missions to Nicaragua, Bradley’s House of Hope, which is a school and hospital for handicapped and underprivileged children, founded by his very close friend and mentor, Pastor James Wilson.
In the fall of 2010, Jeff was given his first official appointment to lead a church in Marion, Ohio, the Crosswood United Methodist Church. It only took “three weeks” for his church family there to fall in love with him and fully embrace him and his family. On Sunday, April 15, 2012, Jeff was honored by a special ordination performed for him with his church family.
A “kid at heart”, Jeff was so full of life, laugher and love. He always kept you on your toes, as he was well known for being a bit of a “jokester”, because “he loved laughter and making people laugh”.
“Never sitting still”, most of Jeff’s free time was spent with people, and saying he was “very social” would be an understatement. He especially enjoyed spending time with and leading youth.
A man of tremendous will, strength and character, Jeff “wouldn’t ever give up” on anything he set his mind, soul and body to. He was a man of his word, who “always followed through”. He also was a courageous fighter, battling his cancer with all of his might. Because of the man he was, Jeff’s influence was not only heard, but felt by countless hearts.
Most everyone who knows Jeff, knows what his self given nickname “P.J.” stands for. He loved simply going by “P.J.”…a.k.a. Pastor Jeff.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Bobbi Haverfield; twin sons: Zachary “Zac” and Joshua Haverfield, all of Marion; his parents: Ken and Vi Haverfield of Mansfield; two sisters: Vickie (Ed) Brown of Lexington, and Holly Warner of Maumee; three nephews and a niece: Nick, Greg and Eric Brown, and Kaitlin Warner; countless dear friends and his side kick and canine companion, Buckeye.
In 1977, Jeff was preceded in death by his beloved brother, Steven Haverfield.
Services celebrating “P.J’s” homecoming will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 18, 2012, at his church, the Crosswood United Methodist Church, 1551 Richland Rd., Marion, with Reverend James Wilson III and Pastor Todd Wallace officiating. Following his services, his family will greet friends in celebration of his life from 3 – 7 p.m. Burial will take place at a later date in Oak Grove Memorial Park in Lexington.
Rather than flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pastor Jeffrey “P.J.” Haverfield Memorial Fund to benefit the Crosswood United Methodist, c/o Building Fund, and a scholarship for his sons. They may be sent to the care of the funeral home.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home in Marion is honored to have been chosen to serve Pastor Jeff’s family and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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