Family, Friends Remember Jeff Brummitt

The first thing people remembered about Jeffrey Allen Brummitt was his quick wit--a "warm, wry, imaginative, insightful, articulate humor" that kept his friends and family laughing; he could imitate any person with any accent, but his humor was never mean-spirited, they said.

Brummitt's humor is one of the things friends and family have missed often since the 57-year-old Vienna native died Nov. 22 at his home in Front Royal, Va. A Jan. 14 memorial gathering in Front Royal is being planned in his honor.

Brummitt, known as Jeff, was born in Rocky Mount, NC, on July 4, 1954, but he was raised in Vienna, attending several local schools before graduating from James Madison High School. He received a bachelor of arts degree in theater from Catawba College, in Salisbury, N.C., before working as a flight attendant for United Airlines, a job that would move him across the country, from Linden, Va. to Chicago and Hawaii.

Jeff enjoyed working with his hands, his familiy says, always having a remarkable ability to build or repair practically anything. He was an avid motorcyclist, kayaker, hunter and golfer, and also enjoyed music. He often stood out on the dance floor with his "flair for dancing," friends say.

He adored his faithful dogs, companions who often accompanied him as he enjoyed nature, especially the beach, the snow, the mountains and any body of water.

Jeff is survived by his brother, John Brummitt, of Dallas, the other half of the inseparable “Brummitt Boys," his older sister, Suzanne Brummitt, of New Jersey; and his niece, Andrea Brummitt Duggan, of New York. He was predeceased by his mother, Charlotte Whayland Brummitt, of Vienna, VA, and his father, Donald Arthur Brummitt, last of Charles Town, WV. Though divorced, Brummitt had been married to Peggy Oremland for six years.

Those who wish to make a contribution in Brummit's memory should make it to the charity of their choice.

If you would like to attend or contribute memories to the service, please send the family an e-mail at brummittfamily@comcast.net.

Suzanne Brummitt provided information for this story.