Hello, Kankakee County and friends! We’ve got a truly special story for you on this episode of the Kankakee Podcast—one that bridges the worlds of social media stardom, local service, musical camaraderie, and the underrated courage it takes to say “yes.”
Our guest is none other than Jeff Cross: caretaker of Aroma Park Cemetery, Big Ten referee, viral TikTok creator, and the enthusiastic force behind the Ordinary Dads choir. Hosted by Drew Raiser, this conversation dives deep into what it means to juggle multiple roles, give back to the community, and never stop learning (or laughing).
Ordinary Dads: Singing with Purpose
Jeff’s energy for bringing people together shines brightly through his work with Ordinary Dads—a seasonal men’s choir of, yes, just dads. Their mission? “Anytime a dad can get together, even just for an hour and be around other dads, you know, smile, laughing, you know, and see something and then dads want to help. That’s what we want to do,” Jeff shares.
Started as a way to raise money for families in need, the group has grown from a handful to nearly twenty, supporting causes from adoption costs to playground accessibility for special needs kids. Jeff beams, “The only qualification to join is you’re a dad… We don’t care if you can sing or not. We actually prefer you don’t!”
Cemetery Caretaking and Gravestone Cleaning: Viral for Good
If you’ve scrolled through TikTok lately, you may have unknowingly crossed paths with Jeff. With nearly 100,000 followers and millions of views, he’s turned gravestone cleaning into compelling, thoughtful content.
“I started cleaning headstones… I recorded it, put it on social media and said, ‘Anybody want this done?’ and then here we come.” His passion: restoring dignity to neglected memorials, especially for veterans. “I go by one rule… do no harm,” he explains. “If you make it look better, you’re not doing any harm.”
Jeff’s social media journey is a masterclass in authenticity—whether narrating about giant flags in Wisconsin (a post that reached 5 million views) or playfully documenting the “Forest Gump” rhythms of cemetery upkeep.
Life on the Court: The Referee’s Challenge
Off the mower and onto the hardwood, Jeff also referees Big Ten basketball and beyond—though he’s quick to admit, “I never played basketball above the sixth grade level, never scored a point in competition. So I’m not a good basketball player. OK. But I learned and found my way.”
But life as a ref isn’t easy. Jeff’s straightforward philosophy? “I get one blink to play, that’s what I get.” With humility, he addresses the criticism that refs receive, especially in high-stakes college sports. “If you put the shirt on, you’ve got the courage. You’ve got way more courage than 99% of the other people that are sitting back just telling you how bad you missed it.”
The conversation also touches on the vital role sports play in developing teens—and the critical need for volunteers in youth leagues: “You don’t have the right [to complain]. The only difference between that person out there umpiring right now and you is that person said yes.”
Creativity, Failure, and Community Legacy
A recurring theme with Jeff is his philosophy on trying new things and embracing the unknown:
“I’m a fire, aim, ready kind of guy. You know what I mean? Let’s just do it… How you gonna do it? I don’t know. We’ll figure it out.”
From deck repairs (“average at best,” he laughs) to leading a ragtag choir, Jeff leans into the growth that comes from taking risks. He encourages others, especially young people, to “fall in love with failure,” seeing it as a teaching tool and a pathway to unexpected joy.
The Bottom Line: Adding Value, Leaving a Legacy
Jeff’s humility and sense of humor are infectious, but his message is serious: “I want to add value. When you leave, that value is taken away, or it needs to be absorbed by someone else… and everyone has their own value to add.”
He challenges us all: plan your legacy, cherish your mentors (and your grandparents!), and don’t be afraid to answer life’s call—even if you’re worried you can’t sing in key. Most of all, “be unshakable” and find fulfillment in lifting up others.
Want to Join Ordinary Dads or Support Jeff’s Projects?
You can connect with Jeff at [email protected] or follow @jeffcross22 on all social platforms. If you’re a dad interested in spreading joy (and helping the community), reach out—no singing experience necessary.
Thank you for tuning in to another inspiring episode of the Kankakee Podcast! If you enjoy these local stories, subscribe on your favorite podcast app and follow us on social media. A special shout-out to our supporters and the Kankakee community—your positivity keeps us going!
Until next time, keep finding the courage to say yes, add value wherever you go, and don’t be afraid to try something new (or miss the basket on a viral TikTok—just ask Jeff). Stay well, stay connected!
