Many of Jeff’s great-grandparents moved to Grafton to work on the railroad and other local businesses.  The railroad, coal mines and factories provided the work ethic that was passed down through the family.  Jeff’s father joined the U.S. Air Force and served for over 20 years.  As a result, Jeff was born in Maine and lived in various states and nearly four years in Europe .  When the family came back to West Virginia , Jeff was in the seventh grade.  He graduated from Grafton High School   in 1981, and then spent the next few years continuing his education out of state, but always returning to Grafton at every chance.  By the mid 1980’s, all of his parents and siblings had left the state.  Jeff chose to stay and make Grafton his home.

 Jeff has given over 13 years to managing businesses for people and 20 years to working with the youth of the community in church and other avenues.  He served eight years in local (City of Grafton ) government.  He was appointed to fill a vacancy on City Council, thus launching a political career that was unanticipated.  After finishing his first term as First Ward Councilman, he was re-elected with over 75% of the vote.  He served two terms as Vice Mayor, and then a term as Mayor.  It was during his time as Mayor that he was asked to run for the WV House of Delegates.   Jeff won the Republican Primary, beating five other candidates, in May 2004.  Jeff won the General Election in November 2004.  He is currently serving his first term as a Delegate, maintaining a full schedule as members of the Education, Roads and Transportation, Political Subdivisions, Veteran’s Affairs and Homeland Security Committees.

 In the past, Jeff served two terms as the Vice President of the Taylor County Public Library Board and co-established and was the treasurer for a local college scholarship fund.  

He attends Fellowship Bible Church, is an honorary member of the Grafton Volunteer Fire Department, a life member of the NRA, a member of the West Virginian’s for Life, a member of the WV Farm Bureau and holds the rank of Major in the US Air Force Auxiliary, where he is involved in search and rescue operations and various aspects of Homeland Security.  When he gets the time, he enjoys backpacking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, hunting, and reading.