AUGUSTA, Ga. - Dr. Jeffrey Melvin Brandsma, age 64, entered into rest on February 19, 2008. He was born in Roseland, Illinois, the eldest son of Melvin and Beatrice Brandsma. Jeff was the first individual in his family to attend college, and in fact, completed his undergraduate degree Magna Cum Laude from Central College in Pella, Iowa, and his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Penn State in State College, Pennsylvania. He continued his academic career with an internship at the University of Wisconsin, rising to Associate Professor at the University of Kentucky Medical College in Lexington, Kentucky. Jeff and his family moved to the Augusta area in 1981. He worked in the Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, School of Medicine, for 16 years as a full professor, as well as at the Veteran's Administration and Fort Gordon. He was a published author of many books and journal articles and a member of several scientific and professional societies. With contributions too numerous to name, Jeff was a distinguished and well-respected psychologist, colleague, and mentor/teacher and received many accolades in his profession, including President of the Georgia Psychological Association, GPA mentor award for significant, life-long contributions to clinical training and supervision, Distinguished Faculty Award for Institutional Service from the MCG School of Medicine, and Professor Emeritus at the Medical College of Georgia. Jeff was an active member of Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church, participating as an elder, deacon, choir member, Sunday school teacher, and serving on multiple committees. One of Jeff's favorite activities was singing. Being a part of the Chancel Choir for nearly 27 years gave him much enjoyment. He was also a member of the Augusta Opera Company Chorus for 14 years. Jeff enjoyed playing golf when he was able. He was a member of the Pine Ridge Country Club in Edgefield, South Carolina. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Anne; his three children, Michael Brandsma and wife June, of San Mateo, California, with children Margaret Jane and Georgia Anne, Jamie Brandsma Lowe and husband Michael, of Glenwood Springs, Colorado, with children Jeffrey Foster and Alicia Beatrice, and Anneke Brandsma Smith and husband Jay, of Marietta, Georgia, with children Tate Jackson and Tyler Christian; his parents, Melvin and Beatrice Brandsma of South Holland, Illinois; his sister Bonnie Mannes and her husband Tom of Holland, Michigan; his brother Lee Brandsma and his wife Pam of Hinsdale, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews. It is difficult to summarize the life of such an accomplished human being in so short a space. He had a calm and measured presence, a quick wit, and a perceptive intellect. He was a good Christian, a loving husband, an involved father and grandfather, and a treasured friend. He had much more to give and will be missed by those who knew him best. Memorials may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Church Street Station, P.O. 780, New York, New York 10008-0780, michaeljfox.org. The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 24, 2008 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at The Poteet Funeral Homes, West Chapel, 3686 Wheeler Road, Augusta, 706-860-0009. The funeral services will be conducted on Monday, February 25, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Reid Memorial Presbyterian Church. Rev. Boyd Lien and Dr. G. Daniel McCall will officiate. A private committal service will follow. The Poteet Funeral Homes, West Chapel, 3686 Wheeler Road, Augusta, 706-860-0009 is in charge of the funeral arrangements.
The Augusta Chronicle-February 23, 2008
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