EXPERIENCED MECHANICS SERVING URBANA DRIVERS SINCE 1980

On May 5, 1980, Jeff's Automotive Service began out of a one-car garage in Urbana, Ohio, where owner and founder Jeff Thurman worked evenings and weekends. The business grew, and Jeff moved to a SOHIO station in the early 1980s and then to our present location on East Water Street in 1984. 

Jeff's Automotive Service's Building since 1984!

OUR GOAL IS TO SERVE URBANA FOR MANY YEARS TO COME!

​Today, Jeff has been in the auto repair business for over 40 years. As he explains it—he has seen cars come and go, he has seen people come and go, but the satisfaction he gets from serving people’s automotive needs has made the last four decades fly by. He looks forward to serving Urbana drivers for many years to come.

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Let us introduce ourselves

JEFF THURMAN

Founder & Owner

Jeff Thurman is the face of Jeff’s Automotive Service and has been serving Champaign County with their automotive needs for a very long time. If you get the chance to talk to him, it won’t take long to hear about his beloved wife, son and twin daughters, children-in-law, and grandkids. In addition to his wonderful family, Jeff is motivated toward success by his goals, and being able to solve people’s vehicle problems to get them back on the road as quickly and efficiently as possible. When Jeff is not working, you’ll find him admiring his 1970 Chevy Nova, golfing, playing cards (usually winning), and hanging out with the Lion’s Club. When asked why he loves having a small business, Jeff said, “I have been serving this community for more than 43 years of my life. I wouldn’t change a thing. Thank you to my community for letting me service your needs!”

Bailey Kolb

Bailey has been a service writer for 2 years, joining the Jeff’s Automotive team in April of 2022. Her little family consists of “two and a zoo,” with her son and daughter (Atticus and Juniper), Russian tortoise (Gunther) and dynamic wiener dog/long-haired cat duo affectionately named Weenie (Ernie) and Beans. Bailey is motivated toward success so that she can make all things happen for her kids’ happiness. Bailey graduated from Bellefontaine High School in 2012 and returned to the central Ohio area after graduating college programs in both Costa Rica and Dayton. Her hobbies include photography, cooking, 90’s sitcoms, and a strong affinity for cleaning. When asked why she likes working for the Jeff’s Automotive team, Bailey said, “I love having a boss that sees us as individuals and pays attention to our individual needs.”

Katy Leib

Katy has been writing service for 4 years now, and joined the Jeff’s Automotive team in May of 2022. In addition to a few furry friends, Katy’s family consists of one amazing partner, Jay, and two wonderful kiddos named Cora and Hendrix. Katy is motivated toward success by providing good, quality work and a strong attention to detail. She graduated from Bellefontaine in 2012 but has had many living adventures all over before buying her first home and settling in Springfield in 2021. If there’s a karaoke bar within a 200 mile radius, you’ll absolutely find Katy there. She also loves board games (even if she loses), art, and hanging out with family. When asked why she likes working for the Jeff’s Automotive team, Katy said, “Jeff is a great boss!”

Cody Instine

Cody is West Liberty born and raised, and the biggest Tiger’s fan around. He has been working on cars in the garage with his now late Father, since being in diapers and learning to walk. Cody has one amazing daughter, Temperance, who you could also consider his partner in crime. When he’s not at work wrenching on cars, you’ll still find him working on cars, collecting coins, or at the racetrack- with Tempy, of course. To be successful, Cody needs a solid 90’’s country playlist with some Eric Church peppered in- but as loud as you can play it. When asked why he likes working for the Jeff’s Automotive Team, Cody said, “There are better opportunities within a great environment.”

Elisha Thompson

Elisha is the youngest member of the Jeff’s Automotive Team, and has worked as an Automotive Technician for 4 years. He is our Asian car enthusiast and can tell you the ins and outs of a Honda Civic with the confidence of a 30-year mechanic. Elisha is from Bellefontaine, Ohio, where he purchased his first home with his wife Emily. Their cat, Fig, is also a beloved part of the family and has quite the personality! When Elisha isn’t working at Jeff’s, you can find him still tinkering with cars, building with Legos in his super cool Lego room, and gaming with friends. When asked why Elisha likes being a part of the Jeff’s Automotive Team, he said, “There’s a good atmosphere!” 

In memory of Robert Knox. 1964- 2022. A job well done.