Obituary of Jeffrey Todd Leslie

On the morning of Wednesday, June 19, 2019, loving husband and devoted father of two children, Jeff Leslie, passed away suddenly at the age of 54 at his home in Eagle, Idaho.  He will be missed by so many people.  Jeff was an incredibly caring and fun loving guy who never met a person with whom he couldn’t strike up a conversation. He always left you feeling like you had made a friend.

Jeff was born on February 9, 1965 in Dallas, Texas to Joe and Sandra Leslie.  He was raised in Mesquite, Texas where he attended North Mesquite High School and played varsity football.  After graduating high school in 1983, Jeff attended San Angelo State University on a football scholarship.  However, missing the big city, Jeff transferred to the University of North Texas for the remainder of his college years and graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance.  While at college, Jeff was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity where he held the position of House Manager. Jeff’s work ethic began early, as he had his first job at 13 and then worked full time to put himself through college.

Family was, by far, the most important thing to Jeff.  It was a celebration that brought Jeff and his wife, Christy, together for the first time.  He was out with friends in downtown Dallas toasting his 26th birthday.  Christy learned that Jeff was the birthday boy, and she gave him a big birthday hug.  The two struck up conversation, and the connection was immediate.  Shortly thereafter, in 1991, Jeff and Christy graduated from college and embarked on a great adventure together.  They moved to London, England where they worked on a temporary visa, saved up money, and backpacked through the cities of Europe.  They returned home the following year engaged and were married In 1993 at Perkins Chapel on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas.  Before starting a family, Jeff’s work at Albertsons led to many moves for the couple, and they lived in Addison, Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Salt Lake City before making their final home in Eagle, Idaho where they have resided for over 21 years.  Jeff and Christy’s family began in 1998 with the birth of their first daughter, Mallory, and was completed in 2001 with the birth of their second daughter, Tatum.  Jeff was an amazing Dad to his two girls.  He always wanted to have daughters and so, it was meant to be. He and his girls shared a very strong bond, he taught them so much, and loved them more than anything.  Attending their games, performances, and activities was the highlight of his week. Watching his daughters grow up into the smart, kind, and thoughtful young women they are today was a tremendous joy for Jeff. His face lit up and beamed when talking about his daughters or when he was with them. Spending time with his family was Jeff’s favorite thing in the world, and he was his family’s biggest champion in so many ways.  He was witty and always joking, but also the first one we went to for comfort and guidance.  Jeff was deeply loved, and his hugs, his smile, and his long talks will be greatly missed.

Jeff had a passion for his career, working in the grocery business for over 28 years with Albertsons, Crossmark, High Country Snack Foods, and Symphony Retail.  It was an important part of his life, and many of his closest friends were his colleagues. His friends were many, with each one of them being so special to him.  Jeff really knew how to be a good friend, regularly reaching out to talk and make plans for get togethers.  He was caring, generous, and often described as a lifter of spirits with a heart of gold.  In addition to his career in the grocery business, Jeff was an entrepreneur at heart and was the original owner and founder of Penny Lane Toys, a specialty toy store that began in Eagle, Idaho and then moved to Boise’s North End.

Jeff had many interests and hobbies.  He loved sports and favorites included football and soccer.  He relished the cool weather of Fall and the college game days that came with it, watching the Dallas Cowboys, and keeping up with English league soccer.  Jeff was a music lover and avid concert goer in his younger days, regaling his daughters with tales of seeing the famous bands from the 70’s and 80’s, like Queen, AC/DC, Yes, The Smiths, and The Cure.  He was a jigsaw puzzle fanatic and worked incessantly and late into the night to finish a puzzle once started.  Jeff was our favored cook at home, he made the tastiest meals and did so with love.  His collection of comic books and Mad magazines was a source of happiness to him, and he loved going to the movies as a family.  Superhero movies were the family favorite, and Jeff knew the in depth back story of every superhero.  Jeff also enjoyed keeping up with current events and politics.  He adored the ocean and all things in it, taking his family on beach vacations and swimming in the ocean.  But, most of all, he was a family man who was happiest spending time with his daughters and wife.  

Jeff is survived by his wife, Christy Leslie; his two daughters, Mallory Leslie and Tatum Leslie; and his mother, Sandra Leslie.  Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Joe Leslie; his brother, Matt Leslie; his paternal grandfather, Ray Cox; his paternal grandmother, Johnnie Cox; his maternal grandfather, John D. Redd; and his maternal grandmother, Dorothy Redd. Losing Jeff creates an emptiness that will never be filled.  However, we hope that our hearts can be warmed by the many memories we have of the good times with him.

Please join us in celebrating Jeff’s life on Friday, July 19th.  All are welcome to attend the Celebration of Life service at 11:00am and reception immediately following at Eagle United Methodist Church, 651 N. Eagle Road in Eagle, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, a donation in his name to National Public Radio (NPR), Women and Children’s Alliance of Boise (WCA), or the Idaho Humane Society would be appreciated.