After a long battle with cancer Jeph Abara, beloved member of St. Alban’s, Theatre Arlington, died December 27, 2016. A life-long runner, Abara in his later years organized races benefiting charities throughout Fort Worth and Arlington.
The Rev. Kevin Johnson, priest in charge at St. Alban’s, said, “With the Grace of God Jeph’s final charity race was Christmas Eve morning, to benefit the Outreach Ministries of St. Alban’s.”
Funeral will be Saturday, January 28th, 10:30 a.m. at Shepherd of Life Lutheran Church, 725 E. Lamar, Arlington.
The Fort Worth Star Telegram ran an article about him on him in February, 2015, which said, “Even on days he receives chemotherapy treatment, Abara suits up and heads outdoors to favorite spots such as River Legacy Parks to run and walk in the sunshine.
“He also continues to organize charity races, which he says raise about $12,000 a year for various nonprofit groups such as SafeHaven of Tarrant County, Meals on Wheels and H.O.P.E. Tutoring Center. Last weekend, he organized a 5k fundraiser for the Arlington Life Shelter, where he has been a volunteer since 1988.
“Abara, born in Nigera, moved to the United States in 1963 to attend college. He said he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemical engineering at Ohio State University, and a master’s degree in industrial engineering and a doctoral degree in operations research from the University of Pittsburgh. Abara said he became a serious runner after moving to Arlington in 1979, and he retired from American Airlines in 2003 after 23 years.”
Abara told the Star-Telegram reporter that he “has drawn strength from his fellow runners, his friends and family, and his faith. His mantra for his journey has been ‘prayer and power, fathomless faith, the miracle of medicine, and God’s grace and goodness.’
“’I believe no matter what the outcome of this whole thing is, through the love of God all is well,” Abara said. ‘You have to have a positive mental attitude and have to believe the one who made us is around and will watch over us. You have to have that faith and positive mental thinking.’”