Jeff Springer

A Tribute to John Jeffrey “Jeff” Springer

By Frank G. Lyle

Jeff Springer was a loving husband, father and son. He was a GREAT lawyer, friend, law partner, business owner, employer, and mentor. He was a pillar of this community, and he served on many of its charitable boards and committees, including those of First United Methodist Church which he loved so much. Jeff was a devoted Christian. The man wore many hats… and he wore them all well.

To me, Jeff’s legacy is how he could be so, so smart, and yet so humble. He was so kind, caring and compassionate to everyone. He was such a talented and skilled lawyer; yet void of the arrogance that normally goes with it. Jeff lived his life by the “golden rule” and treated all people with respect. He was all inclusive; a person’s skin color, gender or sexual preference did not matter to Jeff Springer.

Jeff received his undergraduate degree and law degree in a total of five years. He had graduated from law school, passed the bar exam and was actually practicing at the age of 23. He could research and write a brief in half a day–a project that would have taken most lawyers the entire weekend. He earned the nickname “Trigger” early in his career because he would stand up and make objections before opposing counsel finished asking their question?

Since the first year he was eligible, Jeff was awarded Martindale Hubble’s “Preeminent” rating for legal ability and ethics. For those that don’t know, this is the most prestigious peer review rating system for attorneys in the United States and Canada.

Jeff loved his family with all his heart. He loved his Baylor Bears and was a season ticket holder. He loved playing bad golf at the Denton Country Club with his buddies. He also loved a good cold beer and an occasional pour of Woodford Reserve…which we were still in the process of debating…is it a bourbon or is it a whiskey?

Jeff enjoyed telling jokes and playing pranks. He never forgot a joke and could tell it the exact same way, years apart. He enjoyed making people laugh and was really good at it.

In his spare time, Jeff wrote a novel, learned how to fly a plane and recently, started taking drum lessons. And of no surprise, Jeff was a member of Mensa International.

Jeff never practiced law with the goal of, “How to make the most money?” Law firm decisions were always based on, “What’s the right thing to do” and “What’s in the best interest of the client?” As long as I’m a partner in the firm, that philosophy will never change.

Jeff knew that the ultimate power is knowledge. And if you had that, you could compete with anyone. He knew you are never too old to learn. He understood that the practice of law and litigating cases is a team sport, and he was so proud of the staff we built. Jeff knew that effort is controllable, the result is not. He also knew that nothing in life is guaranteed.

Jeff understood that there is nothing more important in life than the relationships you have…with your God, your family and your friends. He would want us all to count our blessings for these special relationships.

On June 11, 2025, our community lost a great man. We will miss Jeff Springer dearly, but we will never forget him and the impact he had on our lives. Thank you, Jeff. We love you!