With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Jeffrey “Py” Pyburn, a cherished friend, colleague, and patriarch of the Pyburn family. Jeff’s remarkable life was characterized by his dedication to his family, profession, and the many communities he touched.

Born with competitive spirit and extraordinary athletic talent, Jeff was a Parade All-American quarterback during his senior year at Cedar Shoals High School in Georgia in 1976. He was recruited by major colleges nationwide, ultimately choosing to play for the University of Georgia, close to his roots. As the Georgia Bulldogs’ starting quarterback from 1977 through the beginning of 1979, he demonstrated resilience and leadership, finishing his football career on a high note.

Jeff’s athletic prowess extended to baseball, where he excelled as an All-SEC player. He was selected fifth overall in the 1980 MLB Draft—the highest position ever for a Bulldog—and played three seasons with the San Diego Padres organization, hitting .295, posting an on-base percentage close to .400, and stealing 74 bases. Impressively, almost four years after his last football game, Jeff received an invitation to join the Buffalo Bills’ training camp as a defensive back. Instead of continuing his career in football, Jeff enrolled in Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, graduating in 1986.

Jeff went on to become a tenacious advocate and formidable trial attorney, handling both plaintiff and defense cases for nearly 40 years. Throughout his distinguished legal career, Jeff concentrated on civil litigation, representing insurance companies, universities, major vehicle manufacturers, professional sports teams, product manufacturers, international corporations, and injured individuals. He secured multi-million dollar awards and settlements for his clients. Jeff’s legal excellence was recognized by his peers, earning him inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® for Personal Injury Litigation, and in 2017, Jeff was selected by Best Lawyers as its Phoenix “Lawyer of the Year” for Products Liability Litigation – Defendants. Jeff regularly appeared on the Southwest Super Lawyers® list and was awarded the highest possible Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating, AV® Preeminent.

Jeff will be missed dearly by his colleagues, clients, and friends. We extend our sincere condolences to his family.

Service details will be published when they become available.