NORTH ADAMS, Mass. —  Jeffrey David Phelps (born Jeffrey Steven Burdick), 47, of San Francisco, CA, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday March 31, 2026. He was born in Pittsfield, MA on January 21, 1979, a son of Steven P. Burdick and the late Diane N. Phelps, both of North Adams, MA. Jeffrey attended schools in Florida and Massachusetts.

Jeff lived by his own compass, never one to follow a well-worn path when he could carve his own. He set out young, chasing the horizon often with a thumb in the air, sometimes following the rhythm of the Grateful Dead or finding his way to other gatherings; places where his love for drumming took root and never let go. Along the way, he became many things to many people, “Jeffro,” “FreeJack,” “Jacky,” but to his family, he was simply theirs, no matter how far he roamed. He could disappear for months, even years, wandering far and wide, but he never traveled alone; friends had a way of becoming family. His spirit was wild, warm, and infectious, leaving a mark on everyone lucky enough to cross his path.

Jeff’s journey was not without its battles. He faced his share of hardships and tribulations, yet he never stopped striving to become the best version of himself. That determination, quiet but constant, was as much a part of him as his free spirit.

From the deserts of Arizona to the mountains of Colorado, the coasts of California, and beyond, Jeff gathered stories like treasures, always bringing them home to Massachusetts, where he shared them with a grin. And if you listen closely, you can still hear him, somewhere on the wind, telling us all to “sack it up” just one more time.

Jeffrey is survived by his daughter, Hailey Krysh (fiance Juba McClay Jr.) and granddaughter Nakiya McClay of Arizona, his father, Steven Burdick of North Adams, MA, a sister, Amy Phelps (children: Jason Morin, Jr. & Lillian Williams) of North Adams, MA, a brother, Steven J. Burdick (children: Neveah & Steven Burdick) of North Carolina, his paternal grandparents Larry Burdick and Joann (Wiles) Gaffey, of Williamstown and North Adams, MA (respectively), many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Predeceased in death by his beloved mother, Diane Phelps of North Adams, MA, his maternal grandparents, Clifton Jr. & Helen (Grindrod) Phelps, of Jensen Beach, FL and Williamstown, MA (respectively), an uncle, Stephen W. Phelps of Colorado, his bonus grandparents, William Gaffey and Donna (Campbell) Burdick of MA, and a cousin, Nathan Sherman of MA.

There will be a private family graveside service held at the Southview Cemetery, North Adams, MA, May 29th at 11am, followed by a Celebration of Life from 1pm - 5pm at the Greylock Club Pavilion, 548 State Rd, North Adams, MA 01247.

Donations in Jeffrey’s memory may be made directly to Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home – CENTRAL CHAPEL 74 Marshall St. North Adams, MA 01247. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com