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James O. "Jim" JEFFERS Sr.

James O. "Jim" JEFFERS Sr. obituary

FUNERAL HOME

River Cities Funeral Chapel

910 Soule Street

West Sacramento, California

James JEFFERS Obituary


JEFFERS, Sr., James O. 'Jim'
He Taught and Coached for
41 years despite Quadriplegia
1931 - March 22, 2014
Jim was born in Mason Oklahoma in the summer of 1931. He was called 'Sonny' by his childhood family. His parents farmed during the Dust Bowl era of Oklahoma. Jim's father died when Jim was seven years of age. His mother moved the family to Pasadena, California, after she found employment like "Rosie the Riveter" during World War II. During his stay in Pasadena, at age 12, Jim became a paper boy. He was recognized as an excellent employee and was rewarded with a trip to Hollywood where he met movie stars, Merle Oberon and Lon Chaney, Jr. His family moved around following the harvest from California to Washington and back to California. Jim consequently attended numerous schools. Jim graduated from St. Helena High School in 1950, where he was a top athlete in basketball, tennis and baseball. Jim married his wife, Phyllis Joan Paull, on September 12th, 1953. Jim and Phyllis had met while in St. Helena. Jim enlisted in the US Army and was deployed to Japan during the Korean war. After their marriage, they spent 18 months together in Kyoto, Japan. After his military service, Jim and Phyllis moved to Sacramento, California, where they raised their two children, Jim Jr. and Jill. Jim's father had been a minor league pitcher in Oklahoma. Following in his footsteps, Jim was a Sacramento Hall of Fame fast-pitch softball pitcher. He also played basketball in the March of Dimes tournaments. Jim went back to school and graduated from Sacramento State College in 1959. He became a teacher for Sacramento City Unified School District, teaching industrial arts and coaching three sports. In May of 1967, while on his way to a weekend job at Discovery Park, a driver ran a red light and hit Jim's car, leaving him a quadriplegic. After the accident and rehabilitation in Downey, Jim heroically continued teaching at Will C. Wood Jr. High School and changed his specialty to social studies. He continued to coach basketball for years. His team won the league championship four years in a row. He was proud of his students and basketball players all of his life. Jim taught school for 41 years. Jim's faith in Jesus Christ was his anchor. All who knew him felt his warmth and authentic interest in their lives. He was never depressed over his accident. He took the role of husband, father, provider and teacher very seriously. He was a family man who took great interest in his children and grandchildren. Jim and Phyllis provided opportunity for their children in roller skating. Both Jim and Jill became regional and national champions in competitive artistic roller skating. The roller skating community provided many meaningful relationships and memories for the Jeffers family. Jim had an after-school Bible Club at Will C Wood Jr. High School and a passion to share the gospel with his students and just about anyone he ever met. If you knew Jim, you would barely notice that he was a quadriplegic because of his 'go getter' style and proactive approach to life. You may have seen him driving his specialized van around the Greenhaven area and shopping at Bel Air for himself and his wife. He is preceded in death by his father, Dewey Jeffers and his mother Ratha Rogers. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Phyllis Jeffers, a son James Jeffers Jr., (Jennifer), a daughter Jill Jeffers Clark (David) and three grandchildren, John Bissell II (Joy), Allyson Jeffers and Mason Jeffers, all of Sacramento, and his sisters, OraLee Fontana of Chico and Linda Hart of Paradise, as well as many other relatives and friends.We will miss Jim terribly, but we are comforted by the knowledge that he is in heaven and no longer bound by quadriplegia. We have confidence that he will hear the words, 'Well done, good and faithful servant.' The funeral service will be held at the River Cities Funeral Chapel, 910 Soule Street, West Sacramento on Saturday, March 29, 2014, at 11:00 AM, with viewing hours from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Published by The Sacramento Bee on Mar. 28, 2014.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Memories and Condolences
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Condolences to you cousin Phyllis and family.

Loralee Knight

April 24, 2014

Sonny was an inspiration to all that met or knew him. Although we cannot fully understand why things happen we do know that because of his faith in Jesus Christ he now has unlimited abilities that will last all eternity. I have always been happy and proud,in a good way,to say that Sonny was my cousin. I will miss him and I look forward to seeing him again.

Ron Jeffers

April 2, 2014

Dear Phyllis, James, Jill, and Family, I send my deep, sincere condolences to you all. Jim was a wonderful neighbor, friend, and example to me and all the young people in our neighborhood. Phyllis and Jim's lives have always provided a powerful testimony of God's love, grace, strength, and faith. His life and committment to Jesus Christ impacted my life more than he probably realized. Blessed to have known him and follow in his footsteps as a teacher in our community.

Michael Byram Haugland

March 30, 2014

My sincere condolences to the Jeffers family. Mr. Jeffers was the most inspirational and motivating teacher I ever encountered. The fond memories of him and his special family will always have a place in my heart.

Katherine Mikesell Seip

March 29, 2014

I met Mr. Jeffers in 7th grade (75-76), he was an awesome instructor but more so a role model. I have so many memories of that year and have often thought about what I learned from this gentle man. I will always remember his candy bar sales.
No more discomfort, you are in a heavenly place. Mrs. Jeffers and family, my deepest sympathy for your loss.

Tami Mehlhaff-Bywater

March 28, 2014

The Jeffers Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I was a student of Mr. Jeffers in the early 1970's, he made such a great impact on his student's lives and he will be fondly remembered.

Barbara Maciel-Vanderveen

March 28, 2014

Jeffers Family,

Words can't express the sorrow I feel for the loss of one of the individuals who had a great impact on my life. While Mr. Jeffers was a great baskeball coach, he was an even better life coach, sharing his virtues and values me and others. He was a blessing from God! My sincere thanks to the family for sharing Coach Jeffers and yourselves with me and others.

James Johnson Will C. Wood 17-0

March 28, 2014

I only met Jim once, Jill and I worked together some years ago. During the course of some "girl time", she brought me to meet the family. He was warm, gracious, and kind. I honestly thought at the time, "what GREAT parents!, no wonder I like Jill so much!"
My thoughts and prayers are with the Jeffers Family at this time.
I also believe it is necessary to say: THANK YOU to a life dedicated to students, and helping others.

Kim Harbert-Holm

March 28, 2014

Dear Jeffers family you have my deepest sympathies. I had the pleasure to have Mr. Jeffers as a teacher in the 70's. Even though I moved away I have very fond memories of the time spent with him. He was a great man and will be missed.

March 28, 2014

My deepest sympathy to the Jeffers family. I have fond memories of spending much of my High School years in the Jeffers home.

Sue (Parino) Straine

March 28, 2014

I was inspired by Jim's positive attitude and willingness to engage in conversation on just about anything. John Doty

March 28, 2014

Jim was a wonderful father-in-law to me. He made me feel very welcome in his family. We had a good time watching the Super Bowl together every year. His faith in Jesus was an inspiration to me.
David Clark

March 28, 2014

I will always fondly remember times spent with Jim Sr. and the Jeffers family as I was growing up - my first "skating family." Phyllis, Jim, and Jill - my heart goes out to you, and may all of your wonderful memories and the love of family and friends comfort you and give you peace.

Janice (Single) Risso

March 28, 2014

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