Obituary of Jeffrey B Haines

Jeffrey Butler Haines, of Bernardsville, NJ, and Nantucket, MA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Monday, March 11, 2024, at his home in Bernardsville. Born on November 3, 1950, to Wilmer E. Haines and Marion Butler Haines, Jeffrey was raised in Martinsville, NJ, with his three siblings. Jeffrey will be remembered for his charming smile, contagious laugh, passion for his family and faith, his gifts in music and design, and his distinctive sense of style.

As a loving husband, father, and grandfather (“Pop Pop”), Jeffrey always prioritized supporting his family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Patricia D. Haines, and his three daughters: Ashley (Jeff) Bastow and their children Hannah Lynn, Claire Mae, and William Jeffrey of New Providence, NJ; Allison (Jeff) Blattmachr of New Haven, CT; and Brittany (Steve) Giannone and their son Charlie Wells of San Francisco, CA. Jeffrey is predeceased by his father, Wilmer E. Haines, and his mother, Marion B. Haines. He is also survived by his siblings: Bruce (Jo Ann) Haines, Glen (Nancy) Haines, and Marcia (Eric) Bird, and nephews: Scott (Jessica) Haines and Michael (Celine) Haines.

Jeffrey attended the Conservatory of Music at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, OH after graduating from Bridgewater West High School. At Baldwin Wallace, he studied music performance and education and met his wife, Patty. Jeffrey’s subsequent years in Ohio included church choir directing, teaching music, and managing several design galleries. With the encouragement of his design mentor in Ohio and the support of their families, Jeffrey and Patty returned to New Jersey in 1984 and began their life in Somerset Hills. As a team, they founded a high-end interior design business, Butler’s of Far Hills, Inc., in Far Hills, NJ.

For 40 years, Jeffrey skillfully pushed the classic boundaries of traditional design in homes and design projects from New Jersey to Nantucket to Florida. His creative vision and attention to detail is unparalleled. In 1999, he opened his seasonal design shoppe, The J. Butler Collection, on Nantucket Island, for which he enjoyed curating specialty pieces.

Jeffrey had an incredible ability to blend his talents, gifts, and generosity. He cherished the relationships he formed throughout his career and generously imparted his talents in design, styling, and music to numerous organizations and clubs with which he was an active member including, Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church, Siasconset Union Chapel, Somerset Hills Country Club, Sankaty Head Golf Club, and the Essex Hunt Club. Jeffrey served as a Trustee and the Fine Arts Chair on the Drumthwacket Foundation for the NJ Governor’s Mansion, and for over 20 years supported the WAMMC Mansion in May Showhouse. His role on the National Down Syndrome Society board and involvement with the ARC of Somerset County helped to better the lives of people with disabilities.

Jeffrey found great joy in watching his three daughters figure skate during their adolescence, spending time on Nantucket with his family, dining out with dear friends, traveling and golfing with Patty, and driving anywhere with his grandchildren with his convertible top down. He often shared his joy by playing the piano, sometimes to the surprise of friends, clients, and peers, as he added warmth and elegance to so many moments in our lives.

A private burial service took place on March 15, 2024, at Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church. There will be a Celebration of Life at 1:00 PM on May 19, 2024, at the Basking Ridge Presbyterian Church. Jeffrey’s smile, resounding positivity, and calm energy will be greatly missed by all. For further information, or to leave an online condolence message please visit www.gcfuneralhome.com 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions in Jeffrey’s memory may be made to: Haines Scholarship (est. 2001) for a deserving senior at Bernards High School, Somerset Hills School District, 25 Olcott Avenue, Bernardsville, NJ 07924 or The ARC of Somerset County, www.thearcofsomerset.org.