Jeff McCann
Legendary Husband, Father, Storyteller, and Master of Mischief

Jeff McCann, age 62, who often reminded anyone willing to listen that "a life worth living is a life worth embellishing," took his final, undoubtedly dramatic, exit on Monday, October 28, 2024. A man whose tales were as epic as his adventures, Jeff lived a life bursting with bravery, humor, and a healthy disregard for societal norms. Known for his Irish storytelling charm, Jeff spun tales that left listeners laughing, amazed, or bewildered—and sometimes all three. His family only half-jokes that he's still telling his best stories in the great beyond.

A member of the revered 82nd Airborne, Jeff knew how to make an entrance and an exit, often leaping out of "perfectly good airplanes" just to test gravity. While others might admire Earth from the ground, he insisted on experiencing it from every angle—visiting all continents except Antarctica, though he frequently reminded people it "was on the list." His career in law enforcement in Fort Wayne was equally colorful: whether enforcing fire lane etiquette via PA system hollering or keeping his patrol car stocked with a Claymore's sword and a crossbow (for raccoons in alleys, of course), Jeff took police work to a new, medieval level.

Impatient with mere mortals' writing speed, when Jeff's favorite author dawdled on a new book, he took it upon himself to write a whole new series of fan fiction, proving that if the world needed something, Jeff would step in—whether it was requested or not. This kind of initiative earned him accolades as the ultimate jack-of-all-trades and master of some, with expertise in everything from anthropology to agriculture. Jeff's love for corn bordered on the poetic, capable of holding forth on the domestication of crops for hours, captivating anyone lucky enough to listen.

Jeff's cooking rivaled his storytelling; he could whip up anything from a mouthwatering curry to ribs that'd make you believe in love. Halloween was his sacred holiday, with parties so wild that Jeff was often "recovering" in the backyard, his legendary spirit lingering long after the lights dimmed.

As a father, Jeff was hilariously strict yet full of love. After working third shifts, he had little sympathy for household noise during his sleep hours. Should his children disturb his rest, he'd promptly return the favor by waking them in the dead of night for boot-camp-style dresser inspections, teaching them to roll socks and line up clothes with military precision.

Jeff leaves behind his beloved family, who are surely left with more stories than they'll ever have time to tell, though each one will undoubtedly honor his spirit. In Jeff's memory, his family asks that you read a good book, raise a glass on St. Patrick's Day (Irish Car Bombs, if you're brave), and never—absolutely never—park in a fire lane.

Jeff is survived by his beloved wife, Rebecca McCann; his children Derrick McCann (Marcy), Barry McCann (Jessica), Sean McCann (Megan), Dillon McCann (Katelyn), Connor McCann (Elizabeth), Colleen (Andy) Scripture, Logan McCann, Liam McCann (Anna), and Ryan McCann. He leaves behind 15 grandchildren: Braeden, Owen, Collin, Trinity, Ailan, Nolan, Emma, Ella-Rae, Aria, Declan, Margot, Piper, Peyton, Argentum, and Aragonite. Jeff is also survived by his sisters Rozena Heintzelman, Joyce Dressler (Ron), and Sheila Harris. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Jeannetta McCann, as well as brothers-in-law Ed Heintzelman and Joel Harris.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 01, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. located at FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services (6557 N. Clinton Street) with calling from 4:00 p.m. until the service. A private burial will take place at a later date. Memorials may be made to FOP Wayne Lodge 14. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.fairhavenfortwayne.com