A series of life events led Jeff toward the medium of clay, and a life as a potter. Jeff was raised on a small farm in the rolling hills outside of Fennimore, WI. In high school he developed an attraction to sports and was “adopted” by his coach and family, the Thurstons, who gave him a sense of purpose and belonging. While in high school, he lettered in many sports and competed in state tournaments, which lead him to pursue his wrestling career at a college level. It was here, while double majoring in Art and Physical Education at U.W. Platteville, that he met his instructor Roger Gottschalk who introduced him to clay. He was a tremendous influence on Jeff's career choice and even more on his love of making pottery. Much of the studio time at the old ceramics building at U.W. Platteville was spent discussing life philosophy as well as clay technique.

The next step was the time Jeff spent in the Army where he wrestled on the all-Army team and went on to become a coach at West Point Military Academy. During his time here, he became married to a smart, attractive art student in the Spring of 1973. The couple returned to WI to finish college after service. Jeff has never given up on the physical challenge as has become an avid road racer and marathoner, qualifying for, and running the Boston Marathon three times. Maybe it's the similarity between sports and pottery that's captured Jeff's life-long attention. They're both meditative, disciplined interactions that move not only your body, but your mind. Jeff began art teaching career in 1977 that has spanned over 30 years. The pottery was started the next year and has continued, uninterrupted since then. The family has exhibited at over 500 art and craft shows and exhibits over those years. Jeff has used or developed many different clay bodies and glazes over the years. Experimentation with different throwing techniques, firing techniques and decorative techniques has led to a very distinguished, original product.