Jeffry Hilligoss

Jeffry Horten Hilligoss, born on January 14, 1945, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Marie and
Roy Hilligoss, passed away on October 15, 2023, from a pulmonary embolism post knee
replacement surgery.

Jeff was preceded in death by his former wife Gayle, sister Jill, sister-in-law Jan, and niece
Lauren. Jeff is survived by his daughter Heidi (Harita), sons Damian and Eric, grandsons Oliver
and Sterling, sisters Judy and Erin (Tom), former partner Eileen, former wives Maggie and
Mary, extended family, and his closest friends–– Dick, Jim, and Marcine.

Jeff graduated from Riverside High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he excelled both
academically and athletically. He distinguished himself on the swimming and football teams,
earning varsity letters. His first jobs were as a child actor on his mother’s television show, then
in his teens as a pool lifeguard. Jeff married his high school sweetheart, Maggie, and soon
thereafter enlisted in the United States Air Force to serve during the Vietnam War. The new
family moved to Germany where Jeff was stationed for two years. He completed another two
years of service in Thailand. Upon his honorable discharge, at the rank of sergeant, Jeff returned
home to his family and earned a Bachelor of Science in English from the University of
Wisconsin Milwaukee. There he founded a newspaper, “The Honey Bucket”, that focused on
issues and struggles concerning Vietnam Veterans. The paper resonated deeply with Vets and
grew legs beyond the campus, impacting the Veteran community throughout the city. He also ran
a Veterans’ group at the student union. Jeff was instrumental in the drafting and passing of state
legislation that aided Vets in their assimilation back into civilian life. He would remain active
with the Veterans Administration throughout the rest of his life.

Following graduation Jeff moved his family to Miami FL, where he began work as a technical
writer with an emphasis on research papers and essays. During this time he also worked as a
lobster fisherman, building and setting traps off the coast of Key Largo. This he did alongside his
friend Jim, who served with him in Thailand. While stationed there both fell in love with the
ocean and became certified SCUBA divers. It was Jeff’s love of the outdoors, a talent for
drawing, and an aptitude for mathematics that initially drew him to land surveying––where he
would make his close to 50-year career. As a professional surveyor, he established his first
company (Norseland Corporation) in Miami. After moving to Naples FL, established his second
(Hilligoss, Mason and Associates). Then his third (Dona Bay Surveyors) in Venice FL, which he
continued until his death, followed his move there.

Jeff loved family gatherings and taking everyone out on the boat throughout the bays and canals
around the central Gulf Coast. He also had a passion for flying and was a class II private pilot,
enjoying sharing the birds eye view with family and friends. He enjoyed bodysurfing and
stroking laps out in the pool. His barbequed burgers, and baked beans with bacon were legendary
delights. Jeff was always willing to help out a friend in need. He wielded a sarcastic and caustic
sense of humor, was an avid reader and a film and television buff, listened to classic rock, and
dabbled in gun collecting.

He will be deeply missed by family and friends. Rest in Peace Jeff.
Per his wishes, Jeff’s ashes will be released into the Gulf by his family.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Jeff’s honor to Veterans For Peace, or another
organization dedicated to the wellbeing of our Veterans.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jeffry Hilligoss, please visit our floral store.