In Loving Memory

Jeff Powell

Founder of Jeff's Sports Connection, Orange County, since 1979

It is with profound sadness that I share the passing of Jeff Powell.

Since 1979, Jeff's Sports Connection has brought adult basketball players together on courts in Anaheim, Tustin, and Orange. For nearly five decades, year-round, Jeff kept the games going, and thousands of players found a place to compete with respect.

Jeff was never late, not once in the 14 years I've been playing. The gym was his second home. He balanced the work of running a league with the time to know each player. For many of us, Jeff was as much a part of the night as the game itself.

Jeff loved Jimmy Buffett, and it showed. He took the game seriously, but never himself. He kept the leagues fun and well run, but he held them with a loose grip. Only Jeff would have a 45-and-over division "give or take a year," or a six-foot-and-under division "give an inch."

We will miss him gathering us all around at center court each week. Our thoughts are with his family and all who knew him.