Jeffrey Louis Tamarri, age 63, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly on December 12, 2025, while officiating a high school girls’ basketball game, doing what he loved most.

Jeff was born on January 13, 1962, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Wilma Faye Tamarri and Louis Tamarri. He grew up on the southside of Indianapolis and graduated from Perry Meridian High School in 1980, where he was a talented diver and a member of a highly successful diving team. From an early age, Jeff had a deep love for sports, playing baseball and basketball and later becoming a Little League umpire. He was also a member of the United Umpires organization.

Sports were not just a passion for Jeff; they were his life’s work. He devoted decades to youth, high school, collegiate, and professional athletics as a coach, referee, and umpire. Jeff officiated football, basketball, and baseball at nearly every level of competition. Through the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA), he was licensed in baseball for 22 years, officiating six sectional tournaments and four regional tournaments; licensed in basketball for 21 years, officiating three sectional tournaments; and officiated tackle and flag football for 20 years. In addition to high school and collegiate play, he also had the honor of umpiring Major League Baseball spring training games. 

Within Indiana’s officiating community, Jeff was widely respected and deeply admired. He was affectionately known as “Jeff the Ref” by colleagues, athletes, and families across the state. Just weeks before his passing, he was recognized for his leadership and long-standing dedication to youth football when the Indy Crossroads Football Championships presented him with an Appreciation and Excellence Award on November 7, 2025. He served as a leader in the tournament for all eleven years of its existence—an honor that reflected the lasting impact he made both on and off the field.

Above all else, Jeff was a loving and devoted father. He is survived by his daughters, Ashley Tamarri, Jennifer Tamarri, and Katie Tamarri. He also coached his children throughout their athletic journeys. While having their father as a coach was not always easy, those moments became some of the most meaningful times they shared together—memories his children will forever treasure.

Jeff will be remembered for his sense of humor, charm, infectious smile, and unwavering devotion to youth sports. He touched countless lives by showing up, giving his time, mentoring others, and caring deeply about the people and communities he served. His presence will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many athletes, officials, and colleagues whose lives he impacted over the years.

Jeff was preceded in death by his son, Kyle Tamarri, and his parents, Wilma Faye Tamarri and Louis Tamarri. He is survived by his brother, Fred (Kumi) Tamarri, and his sister, Angie (Dustin) Patton.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 18, at Lincoln Square Pancake House, located at 8041 Madison Avenue, Greenwood, Indiana 46227. Receiving hours will be from 4-6PM and the memorial service will be from 6-7PM.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Jeff’s best friends, Niki and Terry for their love and support during this difficult time, and to all who have shared stories, memories, and kindness in honor of Jeff’s life.