Jeffery E. Bayless

Tissue and cornea donor

Age 51 ~ Anchorage, AK

donated on 3/07/2014

at Alaska Regional

Honored by CryoLife

Jeff was a firefighter, paramedic, and nurse for 24 years. He was a natural at helping and aiding his fellow human beings. He never complained about his career or the people he assisted over the years. Jeff’s career put him in perilous, life threatening situations. He was grace under pressure at every turn. Jeff volunteered at his local church every year for 17 years, taking youth on canoeing trips around Alaska. He shared his experience as an outdoorsman, firefighter, and nurse with his community, and he inspired young people with his work and experience. Upon his death, Jeff was a donor and his donated tissue helped heal many people. His final farewell on earth was to help others through his gift of life.

Jeff’s Story

Jeff was a firefighter, paramedic, and nurse for 24 years. When I was told that Jeff was a donor and parts of his body were able to go to people who needed them, I could only smile. Of course he was a donor! His final farewell on earth was to help others who needed help. To me, organ donation is one the most selfless acts that one can commit to. Our death allows another to live on. Although we are not fortunate to meet those who were special enough to receive this donation, we know in our hearts they are blessed.

He was a natural at helping and aiding his fellow human beings. He never complained about his career or the people he assisted over the years. Jeff’s career put him in perilous, life threatening situations. He was grace under pressure at every turn. He relied on his strong spiritual beliefs as a Christian to guide him in his everyday life. He was a quiet leader who never put himself above anyone else. His level of calm was much like the angel he now is.

Jeff and other firefighters put their lives on the line for others every day. I believe that their calling makes them such a logical choice for being organ donors. They have no fear when they are going into all those dangerous situations; they just do it. Our firefighters are role models in our community; our children look up to them. I know two of my grandchildren have stated that they are going to follow in their Uncle’s footsteps.

Jeff volunteered at his church every year for 17 years to take the youth group on canoeing trips around Alaska. He shared his experience as an outdoorsman, firefighter, and nurse with those youth who all benefitted from knowing this great man. My family and I are extremely proud of who Jeff was and how he lived his life. Knowing that he left this life as a donor only adds to our pride and that of his fire department family.