- Date Of Birth: December 21, 1939
- Date Of Death: August 25, 2021
- State: Indiana
Dr. Jeffry Erle Landrum, 81, of Bristol, Indiana, passed away on August 25, 2021 at North Woods Village at Edison Lakes, in Mishawaka, after a long battle with Guillain-Barre syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease. Jeff began life in Marion, Indiana on December 21, 1939. He was the son of the late Ralph Landrum Sr. and Dorothy (Hamilton) Landrum. Jeff graduated in 1956 from Marion High School and contemplated playing professional baseball before ultimately deciding to attend Indiana University. He graduated from Indiana University in 1959 and was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. He entered the I.U. School of Dentistry where he graduated in 1964. He went on to serve his residency at Cleveland Metropolitan Hospital from 1964 until 1967. Dr. Landrum opened his practice in 1968 and served the community for 27 years with Dr. Wil Boren as an oral surgeon with Landrum and Boren DDS.
Jeffry believed that if you did something, you might as well do it well. He carried that mindset with him in his practice, and he cared for his patients with a tremendous bedside manner and was regarded by his colleagues as an excellent surgeon. He was elected by those peers to be the Chief of Surgery of Elkhart General Hospital, the first non-MD to be elected to the position.
He was previously married to Dina Eclkelbarger Borneman, in which they had their five boys, Todd, Matt, Brent, Jason, and Adam. After their divorce, Jeff and Judy Sorg Pletcher married on January 16, 1983. Judy’s daughters, Jamie Engen and Leslie Ianigro joined the other five boys to form a new family. Jeff and Judy built their dream home in Bristol, Indiana, which is still the current Landrum residence.
Jeff and Judy were smitten with each other. They did so much together. They were active, ate the same, spent time with friends, and traveled often. Jeff and Judy enjoyed traveling and often went skiing in Colorado, visited their children during college visits, and traveled to spend time with their grandchildren. They also enjoyed trips with their close group of friends and flew to Beaver Island, sailed the Caribbean, or skied out west. These two were a pair, and Jeff loved his wife very much. Judy may have loved her husband more than anyone else in the world.
Jeff retired from full-time Oral Surgery at the age of 57. Jeff eventually did what is commonly referred to as the “Jeff Landrum Thing.” He decided to run for coroner (who wants to be the coroner?). As an elected position, Jeff had to campaign and run for office. He was elected in 2000 and was the first doctor to hold the position in many years. His goal was to elevate the office of coroner through a higher standard of professionalism. Jeff’s professional demeanor and decorum were a calming presence to all over the years he served. His mission was to face the truth of death and educate the public to avoid needless deaths. He served as the coroner for six years.
Jeff was passionate about many things and shared his passions with others. He was a big Indiana Hoosier basketball fan and long-time I.U. football season ticket holder. He loved watching and attending games with friends and family. He was an avid skier and would take Judy and his kids on many adventures out west. He loved to run before running was even cool, and he and Judy were dedicated running partners. He loved golf, and he spent countless hours with his sons, friends, and later in life with Judy on the golf course. He loved to joke after a decent round, “I’ve got it now!”
Jeff lived an active life of adventure, valued excellence, and was well respected and loved by many, especially his kids and his beloved wife, Judy. The family appreciates all of the help and friendship during the last several years, where Guillain-Barre syndrome and Alzheimer’s made the quality of life and care for Jeff challenging in the end. We would like to thank the incredible staff at Northwoods Village for their love and support. A heartfelt and special thanks to our own family members, Todd Landrum and Jamie Engen, who helped support the incredible efforts from Judy, who would never give in or give up for the love of her life. Jason Landrum and Lesley Ianigro played remarkable supporting roles as well.
This exceptional oral surgeon, public servant, and loving family man is survived by his beautiful wife of 38 years, Judy D. Landrum; 5 sons and their families, Todd (Tish) Landrum of Evergreen, CO, Matthew (Anne) Landrum of Marietta, GA, Brent (Andrea) Landrum of Reading, PA, Jason (Lisa) Landrum of Charlotte, NC., and Adam (Shely) Landrum of Greenville, SC; two daughters Jamie Engen of Bristol, IN, Lesley (Jamie) Ianigro; and 18 loving grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Ralph “Bud” Landrum Jr., as well as two sisters, Jane Iams, and Willahemina “Willie” Addis.
In accordance with Jeff’s wishes, cremation was chosen. His final resting place will be at his favorite skiing location in Colorado. Shortly after Jeff’s death, the family held a family and friends’ gathering in celebration of Jeff’s life.
