Jeff Eason Sr.: Helping seniors
Jeff L. Eason Sr. of the Barstow Senior Center was raised in Paso Robles California. He graduated high school in 1959 and joined the Air Force in September that year.
He spent four years in the service and was honorably discharged before going to work for United Parcel Service for 33 years. Eason transferred to Barstow in 1969 as a package driver. He then transferred to the big rigs in 1976 as a line driver between Los Angles or to Las Vegas. He received the Circle of Honor Award, with over 25 years with out an accident. He has driven near 3 million miles with out an accident.
He and his wife, Sandy, raised four children, Wanda, Jeff Jr., Todd and Bonnie. They have 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. His wife passed away June 4, 2000.
“In 2001 I became active at the Senior Center, in 2002 was elected to the Board,” Eason said.
In 2003 he was elected president of the senior center and has been reelected every year since. At the 27th annual community awards dinner in 2008 he was awarded the “up and coming.”
Q: Describe a special memory you have in the High Desert.
A: I was training some cadets on rock climbing, when they were on the belay actually saved my life when I lost footing and fell. Because of their serious attention they saved my life.
Q: What do you do in your free time?
A: When the weather is nice I enjoy my patio with the view of Barstow and enjoy my glass of tea, listening to soft and easy music.
Q: Tell us one thing that most people don’t know about you.
A: I believe in the way of the Masonic Lodge.
Q: If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
A: Harmony between all nations.
Q: If you could change one thing about the High Desert, what would it be?
A: I would like to see it rain more often.
Q: What person, living or from history, would you most like to have dinner with and why?
A: Ronald Reagan. I would like to know how he felt when he found out he was elected President of the United States of America.
Q: Who is someone who had a big influence on your life?
A: My wife of 40 years, Sandy.
Q: What talent do you most wish you had?
A: Would enjoy the piano.
Q: What is your favorite quotation?
A: “Contentment is not found in having everything, but in being satisfied with everything you have.”
Q: What words of advice do you have for the next generation?
A: To understand the meanings of courtesy and respect.
Q: Tell us about the charities or causes that are close to your heart and why.
A: The Barstow Senior Center is dearest to me. Through the center all charities can benefit. The nutrition program is so important especially to seniors that are home bound. Being an active volunteer gives me reason to get out of the house, it keeps my brain active and my sprit high.
Q: What is something you are particularly proud of?
A: The Barstow Senior Center and how it interacts with the community. Being able to help other nonprofit organizations, working together in a small community is vital.
Q: What’s your favorite movie and why?
A: “The Gallant Hours” James Cagney played Admiral William Halsey who led the U.S. Navy in a daring campaign against the Japanese that culminated in the American victory at Guadalcanal in the South Pacific.
Q: Tell us about your favorite thing about living in the High Desert?
A: This is where I meet my second love in life, Phyllis Clemmer.
Q: What is the best thing about your job?
A: I retired in 1998, so I don’t have a job. I do volunteer at the Barstow Senior Center, but that’s not a job, it’s an adventure.
Q: What book had a significant impact on you?
A: The Holy Bible.
Q: Of all the places you’ve been, what’s your favorite and why?
A: It’s not the places I’ve been, It’s the places where I am going to be going too. Why? You always remember something nice about where you have been, its the anticipation you have for a new adventure.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
A: Bora Bora. My lady Phyllis wants to go there for a vacation and I wouldn’t want her to go by her self.
Q: Tell us about one thing you want to accomplish in life.
A: A project for the Senior center, a car port with an additional 110 solar panels on the roof. This would supply about 90 percent of the electricity to the center, and would allow the money spent on electricity (about $23,000 a year) to be used for other needed projects.
Q: What’s your favorite place to eat in the High Desert?
A: This isn’t a fair question. On different days you have a desire for a certain taste, so that is your favorite place of choice.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: If my health continues and my mind doesn’t wonder, right were I am at right now.
Q: What’s your favorite guilty pleasure?
A: People watching.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to say?
A: I enjoy living in Barstow; it is a small town with a big heart. I look forward to the next day being better than today. Through volunteering at the senior center “I’ve learned that a lonely place in your heart can be filled by volunteer work.” Through the efforts of many 501(c)3 organizations in Barstow, there is something for everyone to be able to help support the community.
