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PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Jeffrey Thomas Hoxworth, known to family and friends as Jeff, passed away Monday, July 20, 2026, at the age of 54, following a courageous battle with myelodysplastic syndrome.
Jeff was born in Youngstown, Ohio, and carried with him throughout his life a deep affection for the northeastern Ohio community where he grew up.
His rural upbringing fostered a lasting love of animals, especially cats.
A graduate of Crestview High School and Youngstown State University, Jeff developed an early fascination with technology during the formative years of personal computing. That curiosity became both a lifelong passion and a career, leading him into computer programming and software engineering and eventually taking him from Ohio to Atlanta, Georgia, and more recently to Phoenix, Arizona.
Jeff will be remembered for his intelligence, patience, kindness, and quiet generosity. He loved technology in all its forms, from computers and video games to the latest movies and streaming series, and he took genuine pleasure in sharing that knowledge with others. Whether helping family or friends troubleshoot a device, explain a new program or navigate a world that often seemed to move faster than the rest of us could follow, Jeff did so with humor, patience and never a hint of judgment. His calm presence and willingness to help made him someone people naturally turned to and deeply appreciated.
Above all, Jeff loved his family. He was the beloved son of Ronald Hoxworth and Joanne Hoxworth, and the cherished brother of Dr. Joseph Hoxworth and his wife, Dr. Nicole Hoxworth, of Scottsdale, Arizona. He was a proud and loving uncle to his nephew, Grayson, and niece, London, who brought him tremendous joy and knew him affectionately as the "fun uncle." Jeff was also a steady and loving presence in the life of his stepson, Vlad Kuskov of Cumming, Georgia, patiently nurturing his curiosity for technology and sharing with him one of Jeff's lifelong passions. He is also survived by his beloved aunts and uncles, including Gary and Deanna Hoxworth of Las Cruces, New Mexico; Robert and Marietta Murcko of Poland, Ohio; Anna Marie Murcko of Boardman; Evelyn Kaperak of Mentor; and Elaine Murcko of West Middlesex, Pa., in addition to many cousins and other extended family, who will miss him deeply.
In keeping with Jeff's wishes, a private family celebration of his life will take place at a later date. His family is grateful for the many expressions of love, prayer and support received during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made through donations to Blood Cancer United, https://bloodcancerunited.org, to support other patients and families facing hematologic cancers.
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