- November 26, 2024
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Jordan and Jeff Lilley Courtesy photos
The first time Jeff and Jordan went fishing.
The last time Jeff and Jordan went fishing.
When Jeff Lilley died on Monday, Sept. 5, due to an aortic aneurysm, Seabreeze junior Jordan Lilley lost more than an incredible dad – he lost his best friend.
In every facet of his life, Jeff left behind a legacy for Jordan to carry on. He only hopes to become the man he observed in his father throughout his livelihood.
It was the simple things that Jordan remembers most about his father: time well spent, loving and treating his mother Susan with the utmost respect and love, being an influential member in the community and showing an unwavering amount of support for him.
Jeff and Jordan spent a great deal of time fishing – a passion they shared. Jordan remembers one occurrence when they spent three hours trying to catch “a big one.”
“We were in Tampa, and the biggest fish hit my line that happened to have a bobber on it,” he said. “Then the line broke right above the bobber, and we chased that bobber for hours, as it would go under for multiple minutes and then soon reappear in a new spot. My dad drove the boat while I laid over the front of the boat with a deep determination to get this fish. But we just couldn't get our hands on it. We eventually gave up but still loved to tell people about our amazing fish story and the biggest fish we "caught" that day.”
He also remembers when his dad bought an old bass boat that they fixed up together. “It was our special time,” he said. The completely revamped it, and it became a bonding experience “no one can take away.”
They also shared a love for music. Jeff DJ-ed for many years, and Jordan always wanted to help him run dances, proms homecomings, you name it. He began assisting him at 5 years old.
“After a late night of out, we would do to a late night dinner and talk about how much fun the night has been,” Jordan said. “My dad was my best friend. He comforted me when I was down, loved me unconditionally and supported my every move.”
While Jeff Lilley may be gone – but definitely not forgotten (go read Seabreeze football booster club’s Facebook comments about him) – he leaves behind nearly two dozen years of fond memories with his boy who is resolute to fill his “big, big shoes.”
