Jeffrey W. Middlebrook

Jeffrey William Middlebrook was born September 13, 1965 in Lansing, Michigan and passed at home in early January, 2021. Just 3 years after Jeffrey, his parents welcomed his sister, Ellen, into the world.The young family moved to Spring Lake, Mi where Jeff was raised by his mother and father in an atmosphere of fun, music and love. He was actively involved in his community and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.

In high school, Jeff was involved in the marching band and carried this passion into his college years at Central Michigan University, where he graduated with honors propelling him to the prestigious College of William and Mary Law School. There he acquired and involved himself in new interests including directing the play Silas Marner, participating as a coxswain on the College Rowing Club and completing a semester abroad at the University of Cambridge.

Upon graduation, Jeff relocated to Chicago where he practiced aviation and real estate law before diverting to commercial real estate consulting and development. During these middle years, he joined the Chicago Pipes and Drums Corp band and became a bagpiper playing for recreation, in competitions and parades and as a volunteer for funeral services. Jeff was a driving force behind Chicago Caledonian Pipes and Drums band advancing to a Grade II pipe band and earning the ability to compete in the World Championship in Scotland.

Over the years, he worked for notable firms including Meijer, Inc., Target Corporation, CBRE and other. He also worked for private development firms and shepherded major developments involving Walmart, Menards and others throughout the region.

Though a prolific reader and music aficionado, his interests were far more varied and included art, culinary pursuits, travel, social interactions and spending time with his son and former wife, Christy.  Predeceased by his father, Lynn and sister, Ellen, he is survived by his mother Nancy, cousins, nieces/nephews, uncles/aunts and too many friends to count. Jeff will be remembered for his kind grace, his loyalty to his friends and family and his unending love for his son Joshua.