On the evening of Saturday, June 26, 2021, our beloved dad and grandpa, Jeffrey Alan Kolls, had his final cigar and last sip of whiskey as he left this life for the next.

Ever a man of surprises, Dad kept his stage 4 lung cancer a secret from everyone. He worked until mid-May when he finally went to the doctor and got the official news. After finally letting us know, he informed us of his final wish - to die at home. We honored that wish with the help of his best friend and roommate, Kyle Hotz, who took care of him with such honor and devotion. We were so lucky to have spent the last weeks of his life by his side, lighting his cigarettes and pouring his favorite whiskey. Dad went out in style, but he's probably mad at us for not propping him up on his barstool down at his favorite pub, B&J's, and letting him live out his final hours at his favorite place!

Jeffrey Alan Kolls was born on January 18, 1947 in Rock Island, Illinois, the only child of U.S. Army Air Force Lt. Truman G. Kolls and Helen B. Lippens Kolls (Noonan). In 1954, at age 7, Jeff lost his father in a plane crash at Offutt AFB in Omaha, NE. Following his father's death, he and his mother relocated to Glendale, MO, where she later met and married Maurice (Maury) Noonan of Dyersville, IA. Jeff graduated from Beckman Catholic High School in 1965 and immediately went to work for Wohl Shoe Company, where he began his career in sales. In 1969, he married Nancy A. Peterson (Hayes) of Galena, IL. They were married for eleven years and had two daughters, Jennifer Ann Kolls (1972) and Susan Kathryn Kolls (1975) before divorcing in 1980. Jeff moved to Corpus Christi, TX in 1981 and began a lifetime career in the car business with George Young Toyota, later Paul York Toyota, Champion Toyota, and then AutoNation Toyota. Jeff then married Becky Smith from 1991-2001. Widely regarded as an "icon" in the Toyota industry by colleagues and competitors alike, Jeff was a well-known proponent of the little guy and believed in taking care of the people who take care of you and won numerous awards from Toyota for his excellence in customer service, sales, and overall product knowledge. His friends and co-workers always spoke of him as a man of his word who was always fair in his dealings with people from all walks of life.

He is survived by his two daughters, Jennifer Williams of Houston, TX and Susan (Matt) Ryan of Sour Lake, TX. He also leaves behind five grandchildren: Brandon Williams (28), Sarah Williams (24), Nick Ryan (22), Kate Ryan (13), Jackson Ryan (8), and one great-grandchild, Layla Williams (6).

He will forever live on in the eyes of his grandchildren who loved listening to their "Grandpa Jeff" tell stories about his life and gift them important mementos and souvenirs he'd collected along the way; in the hearts of his co-workers who valued him as a great role model who forever changed their lives; and of course, to his children - we are heartbroken right now, but smiling at the memories of our crazy and wonderful Dad.

He would be so happy to know the B&J's is closing down for a celebration in his honor. Here's hoping he's found a seat at a heavenly pub, with an expensive cigar in his mouth and three-fingers of fine whiskey in his glass.

Celebration of Life will be held at Corpus Christi's B&J's Pizza - The Original (SPID) on Sunday, July 25, 2021 from 4p - 9p with an official farewell toast at 6p. Please visit guardianfhcremation.com to share memories, stories, and messages with the family - this is preferred over flowers, plants, and gifts.