Jeffrey Dobbs McKeever

PARADISE VALLEY - Jeffrey Dobbs McKeever, beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, surrounded by his family at the age of 81.

Jeff was born in Marion, Indiana, on September 16, 1942, to Lois A. Potter and Harry W. McKeever. He lovingly recounted how his parents met at an Ohio State University football game. When Jeff was a young boy his family moved to Arizona, settling in Tucson. His entrepreneurial spirit was apparent at a young age; he would purchase and sell donuts door to door, deliver newspapers, and even purchased a lawnmower to lease to the neighborhood boys, taking a percentage. While at Catalina High School, he was actively engaged in many extracurriculars. Jeff was the president of the high school photography club, the Trojan Trigger Trippers, and used his bedroom as a dark room to start a photography business. He also worked on the high school yearbook layout staff, the Advisory Board, and the Quill and Scroll.

Jeff continued his photography business at the University of Arizona, taking pictures at sorority and fraternity events. His business was successful, and he used the funds to pay his college tuition. While at the U of A, he enrolled in the ROTC, which prepared him for service in the armed forces after graduation. In 1965, Jeff earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting, and was honored as a distinguished military graduate. Taking a pay cut from his photography business, he joined the Air Force and served in Tokyo, Japan. He oversaw the Air Force data center, a specialized division, that processed reconnaissance film, documents, and military payroll. Jeff served from 1965 to 1970, earning the rank of major.

Jeff deeply valued education, and after his service in the Air Force, he returned to his alma mater, the University of Arizona. In 1973, Jeff earned a master’s degree in business. Following graduation, he pursued a career in banking with Southern Arizona Bank and First National Bank of Arizona. He then decided to enroll in the University of Washington, Pacific Coast Banking School for a postgraduate degree in banking. Perceptively, Jeff recognized from his experiences in the Air Force and as a bank executive the tremendous opportunity emerging for microcomputers, which inspired him to start his own business.

In 1976, Jeff and his business partner, Alan Hald, opened one of the country’s first hobby computer stores, The Byte Shop, in Tempe, Arizona. The Byte Shop evolved into MicroAge, Inc., which quickly became one of the leading computer distributors, retailers, and franchisors in the early years of the computer industry.

In 1987, Jeff led the effort to take the company public on NASDAQ. MicroAge eventually joined the ranks of Fortune 500 from 1995 to 2001. For 14 consecutive years, Computer Reseller News recognized Jeff in its list of Top 25 Executives. He was further honored as an industry pioneer and inaugural inductee to the CRN Hall of Fame in 1997, recognizing his role in creating the computer reseller business. Thirty-seven years later, MicroAge remains a very successful value-added reseller with focused values and an amazing culture, all consistent with Jeff ’s vision and entrepreneurial spirit.

Jeff was a man of humility and integrity who possessed an abundance of gifts. Like a true Renaissance man, he was a voracious learner studying a myriad of subjects, including philosophy, religion, business, photography, and flying. Jeff also took special care in dedicating his time to building his skills as a mentor. Jeff was respected and admired by his colleagues, and remembered as a compassionate leader. He believed his purpose in life was to create an environment that encouraged others to realize their full potential.

Jeff considered his ability to inspire others to be his greatest gift. He worked tirelessly to foster confidence and self-esteem in those around him, as these qualities are essential to success and fulfillment. Jeff’s business card read “Founder and Chief Mentor.” Jeff believed his most significant role was as a mentor, helping others recognize opportunities for personal development and growth.

Jeff was a generous community philanthropist supporting diverse causes. He was passionate about his alma mater, the University of Arizona, giving to the McKeever Family Foundation Lab, Eller College of Management. Jeff also supported the Barrow Neurological Foundation, Desert Botanical Garden, and St. Vincent de Paul. In addition, to his financial contributions, Jeff was a member of the Chief Executives Organization and the Young Presidents Organization, whose mission is to develop better leaders through education and idea exchange. He also served on several boards, including University of Arizona Eller College of Management, First Interstate Bank, and Northwestern Mutual Life.

Understanding the power of loving and being loved, Jeff met and married Tahnia. Together they shared 40 years of an extraordinary life filled with innumerable cherished memories. Jeff treasured his family deeply. His family was always of the utmost importance to him. His children and grandchildren were a source of great pride. Every special occasion was spent with his family, often gathering at home. An avid explorer, Jeff traveled with his family throughout the US and abroad. He cherished spending holidays and summers with his family and friends in Pagosa Springs, Colorado, surrounded by the beautiful San Jose mountains and a vast national forest.

Jeff ’s love of photography, which began in high school, remained a passion for the rest of his life. He had and incredible knowledge of camerawork perfecting the art in film and digital formats. Jeff studied in workshops in the US and abroad. In particular, he loved the photographic opportunities Africa had to offer. Early morning game drives provided magical photographic moments. Elephants were his favorite subject to photograph, admiring their compassion, intelligence, and leadership skills.

Jeff was also a flying enthusiast, earning his private pilot license, instrument rating, commercial rating, and Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification (equivalent to a Ph.D. in aviation). He took great pride in being a proficient pilot, enjoying annual weeklong courses at Flight Safety International. He revered the beauty of flying the Southwest and California coastline.

Jeff relished traveling, exploring and discovering the diversity of cultures, architecture, cuisine, and magnificent art that the world has to offer. He was a prolific reader, particularly enjoying biographical books, history, political science, and economics. Always impassioned through education, Jeff for many years attended the Harvard Business School, Executive Program.

Jeff is survived by his wife Tahnia, son Mark, daughter Tarah, and granddaughters Piper and Taylor.

A memorial service will be held at Valley Presbyterian Church on Friday, May 17, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. VPC is located at 6947 E. McDonald Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts in memory of Jeff be made to: McKeever MIS Lab https://give.uafoundation.org/page.aspx?pid=948&id=5a596f18-d331490f-bb0f-12938d9771eb

Valley Presbyterian Church https://vpc.church/give/

Barrow Neurological Institute https://giveto.supportbarrow.org

Desert Botanical Garden https://dbg.org/support/donations/