Jeffrey "Jeff" Dean McCready, 46, of Sioux Falls, SD, formerly of Winner, SD passed away at his home on June 6, 2026.  Funeral service will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Christ Lutheran Church in Winner, SD.  Burial will follow in the Winner City Cemetery.  A visitation will be held one hour prior to funeral service.

Jeff was born on April 24, 1980, in Winner, South Dakota, to Glen and Nadiene (Knight) McCready. He was welcomed as the third son in the family, joining his older brothers, Mike and Mark. Born with Spina Bifida as a result of Agent Orange, Jeff faced a lifetime of medical challenges, enduring more than 30 surgeries throughout his life. Yet, despite the obstacles he encountered, he rarely complained and met life's challenges with strength, determination, and a sense of humor that those who knew him will never forget.

Jeff spent his early years attending the Crippled Children's Hospital and School in Sioux Falls before returning to Winner after fifth grade. He attended Winner Middle School and Winner High School, graduating with the Class of 1999. During his school years, Jeff became an important part of the Winner Warrior family. Although physical limitations prevented him from participating on the basketball court or football field, the players and coaches embraced him as one of their own. As a student manager for the boys' basketball and football teams, Jeff's presence, encouragement, and love for the Warriors made him a valued member of every team.

Jeff's parents were devoted to giving him every opportunity to experience life to the fullest. Together they created countless memories through family adventures and outings, including Sioux Falls Skyforce games, baseball games, camping trips, and days spent boating. Jeff especially loved the time spent with family, whether cheering on a favorite team or sitting around a table playing cards. Rummy and cribbage were among his favorite pastimes, and he rarely passed up the chance for a friendly game.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Jeff rarely missed an opportunity to cheer for his favorite teams. He was an avid Winner Warriors fan, a loyal supporter of the Kansas City Chiefs and Chicago Cubs, and enjoyed watching just about any sporting event he could find. He was also a fantasy sports fanatic who loved the competition, strategy, and bragging rights that came with it. In true Jeff fashion, he recently entered a fantasy fishing league and somehow won it despite knowing virtually nothing about fishing—a victory he found especially amusing and was proud to share with family and friends. He also loved swimming, bowling, going to movies, playing video games, camping, and spending time with family and friends. Jeff participated in the Special Olympics during his younger years and enjoyed many memorable experiences throughout his life.

Jeff especially cherished time spent with his brothers. Sunday trips to the races, family gatherings, and shared adventures created countless memories over the years. One of his favorite memories was his first deer hunt with his brother, Mike. Jeff was thrilled when he harvested his first—and only—buck. Knowing how much it meant to him, Mike had the buck mounted, creating a treasured keepsake and memory that brought Jeff great pride. After Jeff graduated from high school, his love for the Winner Warriors never faded. His brother Mark made sure he could continue cheering from the sidelines, taking him to home games so he could remain part of the Warrior community he loved so much. Though fiercely independent and often reluctant to ask for help, Jeff was never far from the support and love of his family.

Those who knew Jeff will fondly remember the mischievous smirk that would appear on his face before he playfully poked someone and quickly wheeled away in his wheelchair. He loved sharing jokes and teasing those around him. One of his favorite running jokes was with his Grandpa Amos Knight, involving a worm and an egg. The two delighted in keeping the joke going over the years, each trying to outdo the other. As family members like to say, it appears Grandpa Knight got the last joke in. Jeff's resilience, independence, and ability to find joy and laughter in everyday moments inspired everyone around him.

Perhaps one of Jeff's greatest joys was becoming an uncle. Excited from the very beginning, he was one of the first visitors at the hospital to welcome his niece, Jadyn Rya, into the world. He treasured his role as an uncle and the special bond they shared. Later, when his brother Mark began dating Holly, Jeff's family grew even larger, and he happily embraced Todd and Trista as another nephew and niece, cherishing the special relationships he shared with them as well.

Jeff was confirmed in his faith at Christ Lutheran Church in Winner, where he remained grounded in the values and beliefs that carried him throughout his life.

Those grateful for sharing in Jeff's life include his parents, Glen and Nadiene McCready; brothers, Mike (Tara) McCready of Wolsey and Mark (Holly) McCready of Winner; grandpa Amos Knight; niece Jadyn Rya (Jayden) Kahre, nephew Todd Kierstead and niece Trista Kierstead; great nephew Amos Kahre. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins as well as classmates, teammates, and fellow sports fans who were blessed to know him.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Orvin and Mary McCready, grandma Darlene Knight, aunt Connie McCready, cousins Courtney Brozik and Dawn Knight, and other loved ones who welcomed him home.

Though his earthly journey was marked by challenges, Jeff's life was defined not by limitations, but by perseverance, courage, humor, and heart. His strength, independence, unwavering spirit, and gift for bringing smiles to others will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.