Jeff Jackson Ligon, 44, died at his home on February 1, 2012. He was surrounded by his loving family, whom he cherished.
Jeff was a sincere follower of Christ who left this world a better place than he found it. His lifetime of service and accomplishment began early. An Eagle Scout, Jeff graduated from the McCallie School in 1986.
Following McCallie, Jeff attended Vanderbilt University and graduated in 1991. After graduating from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Memphis, he completed a residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Virginia.
Later he went to Vanderbilt University for a Dermatology residency, and since 2002 practiced at Chattanooga Skin and Cancer Clinic. Fellow physicians recognized Jeff's talent and leadership. He was past President of the Tennessee Dermatology Society, and was a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Service to others came naturally to Jeff. On numerous missionary trips to Haiti, Romania and Peru, he gladly provided his skilled care to hundreds of individuals.
Raised in Brainerd United Methodist Church, Jeff joined Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church when he returned to Chattanooga. He faithfully served that congregation as a deacon.
Surviving Jeff are his wife of 17 years, Elizabeth (nee Libby), of Memphis, and their three children, Foster, Curren, and Abby. It was while Jeff and Elizabeth were in Ethiopia to adopt Abby in 2011 that Jeff first became aware of his illness. Also surviving are his parents, Beverly and Dr. Barry Ligon of Chattanooga, his twin brother, Dr. Neal Ligon, his wife Gayle, and his nieces and nephew, Meg, Laura and Samuel, all of Chattanooga.
A memorial service will be conducted at Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 4.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. at LMPC on Friday, February 3.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Bethany Christian Services c/o Ethiopia/Africa Kinship Program, 400 S. Germantown Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37411; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the LMPC Deacon’s Mercy Fund.
Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel.