Jeffrey “Jeff” Lovett Bobbitt passed away peacefully on September 3, 2025 while surrounded by his loved ones. Jeff was born on December 12, 1942 in Houston, Texas where he spent most of his life.

He obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Thomas, and then went on to achieve a PhD in Chemistry from Texas A&M. During this time, he found a passion in teaching, and went on to be a professor at the University of Houston Downtown Campus. There he became a dean and served for 27 years, where he continued teaching due to his devotion to the craft.

In 1997 he became the Academic Vice President of College of the Redwoods, and surprised everyone by moving to Eureka, California, a place he loved deeply. While at College of the Redwoods, he made many improvements to the day to day operations of the campus, as well as being instrumental in the creation of Academy of the Redwoods, a renowned high school in Humboldt County.

His love for education never dwindled. Even after his retirement, he continued working with colleges across the nation, and served as an interim Vice President at Raritan Community College, and Onondaga Community College.

Over the years, Jeff supported Catholic churches in both Houston and Eureka by providing help with playing music and troubleshooting technology.

He truly loved the people and places in Houston and Humboldt County where he had many friends.

For over a decade, he volunteered at St. Joseph’s hospital, where he used his enthusiasm for technology to help in streamlining duties across the volunteer workforce.

Jeff is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Mary Bobbitt. He is also survived by his three children, Jeffrey Andrew Bobbitt, Elizabeth “Beth” Bobbitt, and Amy Gores, as well as Amy’s husband Lincoln Gores and their son Jacob Gores.

He is also survived by his younger brother Byrne Bobbitt.

The world is a little emptier without his love, kindness, patience, wit, and wisdom. He was an example of true strength and endurance until the very end.

Friends and family know that he has entered heaven telling stories and making everyone laugh.

Jeffrey famously said “For those who understand no explanation is necessary, and for those who do not understand, no explanation is possible.”

The family would like to share profound gratitude for the team at Hospice of Humboldt and Melissa Brock for their dedication to Jeff’s care.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hospice of Humboldt and the Betty Kwan Chin foundation in his name.

A celebration of life will be held on his birthday, December 12, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Saint Mary’s Church in Arcata.

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