Jeffrey T. Billheimer

Jeffrey T. Billheimer, Ph.D., age 77, husband of Lynda H. (Hill) Billheimer of West Chester, Pennsylvania, passed away on Thursday, October 17, 2024 in the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Born on October 31, 1946, in Huntington, West Virginia, he was a son of the late Mildred (Stauder) and Wayne Billheimer. Jeffrey grew up in Huntington, West Virginia the youngest of four children. His mother was a school teacher so education was foundational. After high school, he earned his BS in Chemistry from Purdue University. He was accepted into the Master's Program at NC State University before being drafted into the war in Vietnam during the Tet offensive. He served 2 years as a military policeman in Germany. Upon his return he completed a PhD in Biochemistry and Nutrition in Raleigh where he met his wife, Lynda. They moved to Ithaca, NY where Jeff did research as a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Cornell University before doing the same at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He then became an Assistant Professor at Drexel University in Philadelphia where he taught undergrads and mentored graduate students while doing research in Enzymology. He transitioned to the private sector and worked at DuPont Pharmaceuticals in Wilmington DE, researching cardiovascular disease and lipids. However, he returned to his first love, academia, as a Research Fellow with University of Pennsylvania Department of Integrative Medicine before semi-retiring in 2015. Even in retirement he never stopped his research and mentoring. Jeff remained active in sports his whole life. He played baseball and basketball in high school and after. He coached and umpired Little League during his son's formative years. He was a good bowler and even a respectable golfer later in life. He was a Life Master of duplicate bridge and an avid player of all card games and puzzles. He was a dedicated Cleveland Indians fan and remained one through it all. Jeff loved mysteries, in books and in life. He was always looking for solutions to difficult problems. Jeff was a devoted husband, father, and friend. During his illness, he was graced with time to reflect and was grateful for the life he had been given. He was often amazed at how deeply he was loved, but for those that loved him, it made all the sense in the world. He will truly be missed. In addition to his loving wife of 52 years, Jeffrey is survived by his sons: Doron Billheimer, Ryan E. Billheimer, Aaron J. Billheimer husband of Lauren Hansen-Flaschen; two grandsons: Miles and Lucas; and siblings: John W. Billheimer and Jane Lewis. He was preceded in death by a brother, Jim Billheimer. In lieu of traditional gifts, please consider honoring Jeff through a donation to the arts and culture nonprofit phlAiR (Philadelphia Artists in Residence), founded by his son Aaron with his support. (https://www.phlair.org/support) Or by setting up an appointment to make a lifesaving blood donation at https://redcrossblood.org/give, or through a monetary contribution at American Red Cross, PO Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037-0839, https://www.redcross.org/donate/blood-services-donation.html/. Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell - Ennis - Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc. Condolences may be offered online at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.

Jeffrey T. Billheimer

October 31, 1946 - October 17, 2024