07/08/2025
The Kerrville flood tragedy has hit us all incredibly hard. We're heartbroken to hear that Jeff Wilson was found but did not make it; his wife, Amber, and son, Shiloh, are still missing. As a dear friend, Jeff meant the world to me, and our entire committee is devastated.
The Houston/Galveston I-CAR Committee sends its deepest sympathies and prayers to the Wilson and Ledford families. We are holding onto hope that Amber and Shiloh will be found soon.
Jeff was a key member of our committee and a truly influential figure, not just locally, but across the entire collision industry. He was incredibly passionate about solving the technician shortage, and his Kingwood Park High School collision program was a shining example of what our industry needs. The minute you stepped into his shop, you immediately saw his dedication, every tool in its place, spotless floors, and perfect order. Jeff didn't just teach collision repair and refinishing; he taught students how to be respectful professionals, instilling lifelong values.
His passion extended beyond the classroom. Jeff was an incredible advocate for his students, traveling nationwide to advocate for collision education. He was always at the heart of any discussion about education, never holding back his honest opinions, and that's something we loved about him - what you saw was what you got.
Jeff's personality was truly bigger than Texas, and his southern drawl was as cowboy as it gets. You could count on him for a laugh; he had a way of making everyone smile until their cheeks hurt. After a round of jokes, he'd often turn to me and say, "See, I can't take you nowhere, you don't know how to act!" He was the best at friendly banter and having a great time. Our phone calls were always long, and before hanging up, he'd always say, with that classic cowboy drawl, "You kiss that little princess (my daughter) and tell momma (my wife) I said hi." Those words were always straight from his heart because if you knew Jeff, you knew that family was everything, and he made it clear through his actions.
If I had to describe Jeff in one word, it would be cowboy. This goes beyond his accent or his grand personality. Jeff was tough as an ox with a heart of gold, a man of his word whose unwavering morals made the world a better place. Amber and Shiloh were his everything; his eyes lit up with pride when he spoke of Shiloh's achievements as a third-generation rodeo rider. When he would talk about Amber you could feel the love, he adored her.
We would always discuss our purpose and how it is our duty to leave a lasting impact with the blessings God has given us while we are here. Jeff, you, my friend, have left a legacy that will never die. The world has lost a great cowboy. Our hearts are broken.
