In Memory of Jeff Sheppard who passed away in May of 2018. This interview was done in May of 2015. Jeff Sheppard is officially Santa Claus year round but when not in disguise you can find him hard at work in his shop, Miracles in Motion.
Miracles in Motion is an Jeff Sheppardauto collision repair and classic automotive restoration business located on Hilton Drive in Gainesville.
Sheppard, a lifelong Gainesville resident, is a member of the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas; which makes it a little more than ironic that Sheppard has a side business called Miracles in Motion. We can only speculate his expertise with sleighs.
Question: What is your profession?
Answer: “I am a Certified Master Auto Technician and Santa Claus for Gwinnett Place Mall.”
Q: What is your favorite place to eat in Hall County?
A: Texas Roadhouse
Q: Who is someone you would want to have lunch with that’s alive and non relative?
A: “Mike Reynolds from West Hall Baptist Church.” said Sheppard. “(He is) someone I admire, he’s a pretty smart guy and a doctor of theology.”
Q: If you could give a piece of advice to a crowd of people what would you say?
A: “Young people: save your money because you’ll be my age before you know it.”
Q: At what point in your life did you feel the most satisfied?
A: “39 years ago when I got married.”
Q: What is your favorite movie?
A: “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.”
Q: Who are the top three musicians you would want to see alive or dead?
A: “Elvis, John Lennon and Johnny Cash.”
Q: What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in Hall County over the years?
A: “The influx of immigrants making our community very culturally diverse.”
Q: What’s your favorite month?
A: “December– self explanatory.”
The Faces of Hall County is a project to showcase the amazing people that live or work in our community. If you would like to nominate an interesting person to be featured please email babernathy@gonorton.com.