Jeffrey Worrall Biggs passed away on August 13, 2024. He was 44 years old. Jeff, as he was known to all, was born on July 24,1980 in Troy, OH. He was the youngest of three children to John B. (Jack) and Elizabeth P. (Betsy) Biggs, formerly of St. Louis, MO, and now residing in Leland, MI, and Vero Beach, FL. He is survived by his brother, Thomas (Lauren), nieces Brooke, Beatty, and Briar of Houston, TX, and his sister, Arden (Colby) nephew Jonah, and niece Rowan of Leland, Mi.
As a child, Jeff’s family moved to St. Louis, where he attended Community School, The Whitfield School, and then graduated from the Hyde School in Bath, ME, in the class of 2000. At Hyde, he was well recognized as a student leader and talented athlete, excelling in lacrosse, where he earned All-American honors. His leadership on the lacrosse field earned him a scholarship to the University of Denver, where he was elected co-captain of the team in both his junior and senior years.
Following graduation from the University of Denver, class of 2004, Jeff joined the U.S. Forest Service as a wildland firefighter and then moved to the Vail, Colorado Fire Department. In 2007, Jeff joined the Missoula, Montana Fire Department, where he served until taking early retirement in 2020. As a career firefighter and EMT, Jeff’s training regimen, physical stamina, and work ethic achieved a level of professionalism that his teammates could count on in challenging fire and rescue operations. He cherished the camaraderie of the firehouse, and the close relationships built over his years of service. Jeff embraced his love of the outdoors, beginning with summer canoeing expeditions at Camp Kooch-I-Ching in International Falls, MN. He thrived exploring many wilderness areas throughout Montana, including cross-country treks on horseback and river rafting excursions, and loved his biking adventures in Moab, UT.
Following his retirement from the Missoula Fire Department, Jeff joined the Denver, Colorado Department of Health as a Homeless Impact Investigator, working in encampments to provide medical assistance and resources to the homeless throughout the greater Denver area. He bonded with many, both young and old, to help them secure a better life. Jeff was a trusted friend, neighbor, and colleague. His spontaneous, fun-loving spirit inspired his extended family and the many lives he touched. He leaves behind a legacy of service and kindness, truly following the adage, “make a difference in your little corner of the world.” Jeff will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
The burial service will be private. A celebration of life will be held at Denver's Washington Park Site #3A on Sunday, September 15th from 4-6pm.
Contributions in Jeff’s honor can be made to the Leelanau Montessori Academy Forever Foundation, 7401 East Duck Lake Road, Lake Leelanau, Michigan 49653.