Jeffrey Forrest Douglas

Jeffrey Forrest Douglas, 68, broke on through to the other side on March 31st, 2023. He went on to meet Jesus in the comfort of his home, surrounded by the love of close friends and treasured family in his last days.

Jeff was born to Nina Joan and Robert Douglas in Anderson, Indiana, on August 27th, 1954. He was a proud Anderson Indian who graduated from Anderson High School in 1972. Jeff was full of continuous support for the city he called home. Jeff’s number one passion in life was music. His musical interest sparked at the early age of 12 when he first picked up drumsticks. He went on to be a “drumming sensation” in many bands, starting with The Boss Tweeds when he was 14. Other bands after that included Orange Grace, Hot & Juicy, Renegade, Anastasia, etc. As much as Jeff was a rock n’ roll man, he was a man of faith, as well. He had deep-rooted love for Jesus and showed that love by drumming in
the band at his church every Sunday service. Aside from music, Jeff also had other occupations. He ran a DJ business for decades, advertising himself as “DJ Jazzy Jeff.” He was the owner of four different bars, including the Town Tavern in Summitville, Indiana. Jeff drove a bus for Anderson Community School systems, carrying with pride the nickname the “Happy Bus Driver.” In addition to driving school buses for years, he drove buses for the casino in Anderson. He mostly drove for special events at the casino, like concerts, and enjoyed the different types of people he met and the stories they had to tell. Jeff had a desire to talk with strangers and to know about their lives, making a new friend every place he went. He always said that he had never met a stranger. He had daily rounds he made, visiting with everyone he could. One of the most frequented places he met with beloved friends was McDonald’s. He enjoyed every place he visited, but the pals he met there held a special place in his heart. Jeff was a true renaissance man. He was a man of many talents and hobbies, a jack of all trades, including being a devoted, loving, and extremely proud father. He loved life and all of the wonderful things it had to offer him. From riding
motorcycles through the countryside to training his body in the gym, tanning his skin on the beach to caring for horses on a farm, building train and car models to hunting for antiques. Jeff loved having breakfast with a good friend, a quick jam session with musician buddies, and long conversations with loved ones over the phone. He loved the simple things in life. He loved nature, sunshine, and he really loved a nice day sitting on a porch swing. He is at peace now, walking with Jesus. As Jeff would say, “Catch you on the flip side, cool cat.”

Jeff is survived by his adoring children, Lacy J Douglas Montalvo, Delilah Douglas, Cole Douglas, Erica Dennin, Drew Debruhl, and Matt Simpson; his
grandchildren, LeoNora and Aria Montalvo, Cora and Odin Douglas; Pam Nalywaiko, companion of many years, and caregiver as of late; special friend Sally Jo Cowles; his other numerous friends, family, and people he held dear.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Nina Joan Douglas, and his siblings, Bobby Douglas and Connie Hartwell.

A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held at New Life Nazarene Church, 3615 Raible Ave, Anderson, Indiana, 46011 on April 16th from 2 to 4 p.m. with the funeral following.