In loving memory of Dr. Jeffrey Pearson
May 2, 1957 – August 4, 2024
Jeffrey Pearson was a great appreciator of jokes, so much so, that he would demand of his patients that they share with the office a joke prior to treatment being rendered.
And we won’t even discuss his trademark red clown nose, but suffice it to say, he was a big hit with the younger patients. They also loved when Dr. Pearson pulled coins out of their ears, or riveted them with card tricks. Jeff was a compassionate doctor, and not just with patients.
For more than 35 years, he mentored countless young doctors, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. He wanted them to learn the “art” of medicine, apart from its technical aspects: how to communicate with patients, be a good listener, and make them feel comfortable.
As an osteopath with a Family and Sports Medicine practice, he understood the importance of treating patients holistically, noting that issues in one system or body can affect other seemingly unrelated regions.
Jeff worked with athletes on all levels, from Pop Warner to the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. His volunteer work also included being Head Team Physician for Rancho Bernardo High School, and Team Physician at several other local high schools. He also volunteered medical services at UC San Marcos, as well as at two local colleges.
Mostly, though, Jeff will be remembered for the zest with which he lived his life. He was endlessly upbeat, even after his pancreatic cancer diagnosis two years ago. He was an accomplished magician who never went anywhere without a deck of cards in his pocket.
Even at chemo sessions and hospital visits, he would regale the staff with his magic wizardry. Jeff developed an inseparable bond with his magician community, all of whom wish that Jeff’s passing was just a sleight of hand, just another one of his many tricks.
Music was one of his life’s loves, having been playing guitar and other assorted instruments since his early school years. He was a prolific songwriter/musician whose songs, both happy and sad, echoed his innermost feelings and loves, as well as his trademark sense of humor. (These can be found on his website, medicine-in-motion.com).
Jeff and his wife Laurie (whom he lovingly called “Folgers”), hosted weekly karaoke and movie nights at their home. Jeff wanted everyone to have as much fun as he did.
Above everything else, Jeff was a great humanitarian. He helped anybody and everybody, lending physical and emotional support to anyone in need. Among his many other activities, he and his staff of other dedicated volunteers would travel monthly to the Tijuana border to provide medical care to migrant families. He was also a proud liberal and absorbed himself in educational political podcasts daily.
Finally, Jeff was a loving big brother to sisters Lori and Wendy, who crossed the country in June so that the three of them could all be together for the first time in years.
At the end of that week, Jeff announced, with much satisfaction, that he had achieved his final goal, which was to show his sisters a wonderful time, and that he did. We are all blessed with that memory, and so, so many more.
Sadly, Jeff died on August 4, 2024. He was one-of-a kind whose passing leaves a huge void in all those who loved him. In addition to his sisters, he is survived by his beloved wife, Laurie, and adored children Samantha, Michael A., and Michael E., and six loving nieces and nephews.
In celebration of Jeff’s life, please think of him fondly whenever you eat a cannoli.
