Five years after his death, the family of former Magnolia High School student Jeffery Ingram continues to celebrate his life.

Ingram was a standout athlete at Magnolia High School, making the varsity football and track teams as a freshman.

Pictured is Jeff Ingram, former Bulldog in his practice gear.

According to the Jeff Ingram Memorial Foundation, in 1997 Ingram earned First Team All-District, First Team All-County defensive back, placed second at the State Championship in pole vault and was a member of the 18-4A District championship track team.

He didn’t stop there. In 1998 as a sophomore he earned First Team All-District, First Team All-County defensive back, 4-A State Champion in pole vault and was named an Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field All-American. He also earned a district title in the 100-meter and 4-by-400 races and was a member of the 1998 District 18-4A Championship Track Team, completing the Triple Crown.

He earned a scholarship in pole vaulting and football to Angelo State University. He later followed his dream of becoming an Aggie and transferred to Texas A&M University. There he pursued bull riding and claimed the 2003 Texas A&M Bull Riding Championship.

Then in October 2006 before completing college, Ingram passed away.

The circumstances surrounding Ingram’s death are still a mystery, leading investigators to classify it as a cold case.

Ingram’s sister, Jennifer Jordan, said the specifics of the case cannot be revealed due to the investigation into his death still pending. Texas Department of Public Safety Spokesperson Tela Mange said all leads have been followed and no arrests have been made in the case.

Despite the circumstances, Ingram’s family is carrying on his legacy.

“Jeff’s passion and dedication made him excel in everything he did. He was just as passionate about his parents, sister, nephew, family and friends,” his family wrote on the foundation’s website. “Jeff’s laugh and smile were contagious and are still remembered by all that were blessed to know him.”

Each year, the Jeffery Ingram Memorial Foundation hosts a golf tournament to raise money to provide scholarships to students at Magnolia High School and Magnolia West High School.

To date, the organization has given $90,000 in student scholarships. In 2007, Justin McGee earned a $10,000 scholarship as the first recipient. The organization continued to grow and in 2008 two students received scholarships. Three students received scholarships in 2009 and three more in 2010.

This year the organization plans to give three additional $10,000 scholarships.

Jordan said the foundation wanted to make this year different, since it’s the five year anniversary.

Instead of hosting an event in May as was done in prior years, she said the foundation will host one event this spring and one in the fall.

The foundation is set to hold its Annual Golf Tournament on April 30 at the Blaketree National Golf Club located on FM 1486.

Golfers may register at the event at 10:30 a.m. and the tournament will begin at noon. The cost is $400 per team or $100 per person. There will be a longest drive contest and closest to the pin contest. Food will be available for those in the tournament.

There will also be a silent auction running throughout the tournament and a live auction beginning at 5:30 p.m. Jordan said the items in the auctions will be spring and summer themed items such as a rocking chair, gas grill, landscaping certificate and more.

For those who do not golf and want to participate in the auction, the foundation is offering sponsorships for the tournament, holes, team, longest drive and others.

All proceeds go towards scholarships in Ingram’s name.

“With heavy hearts Jeff's family is keeping his memory alive and helping a student follow their dreams in having a scholarship in Jeff's name,” the foundation wrote.

For more information about Ingram or to register for the tournament, visit thejeffingram.com.

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