Jeff Coen was born and raised in Creston, Iowa, a farming town in the Southwest corner of the state. His parents owned a small family business. He attended Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, graduating with a BA in political science/economics in 1973. Jeff attended one year of law school at Creighton.

After marrying Janet (Kimball) Coen in 1974, he transferred to Southern Methodist University to finish his legal education, graduating in 1976. Jeff and Janet have lived in Dallas since their marriage. Janet Coen is a retired executive with P.F. Chang's China Bistro. Prior to P. F. Chang's, she was Vice President of Human Resources and Government Relations for Brinker International, Inc. Jeff’s hobbies include woodworking, reading and restoring little known classic English automobiles.

In June 1997, Jeff received a dual kidney and pancreas transplant. He is committed to helping others still waiting and thankful to his donor's family who gave him a second chance.