Joe Jeffers, Jr.

1926 - 2010

Joe Jeffers Jr., 84, of Rancho Palos Verdes, California, died peacefully Monday, August 30, 2010 at 7:40 a.m. at home surrounded by his family. Joe was born June 15, 1926 in Dallas, Texas to Dr. Joseph Jeffers, a Baptist minister and his wife, Jessie. His family relocated to Los Angeles in 1935. Joe enjoyed a brief acting career dancing with Shirley Temple in her movie, "Heidi". At seventeen he enlisted in the Unites States Navy and was stationed onboard the USS Boyd as a quartermaster. Joe proudly served our country in 19 major battles during WWII, where he was awarded two Silver Stars. In 1945, he returned to the South Bay area, choosing to settle in the city of Gardena to raise his family. His business career began by selling breads door-to-door. After four years he sold his route and became a realtor. In 1951, he opened his own real estate and escrow offices. For twenty years he partnered with a general contractor, Richard Moore on remodels, additions and new construction in the Gardena area. Joe became a member in good standing and director and board member of numerous clubs, committees, organizations and association. During the Korean War he was appointed as a major in the California Defense & Security Corps and later became a state chairman, appointed by President Johnson for selective service. For ten years he served on the board of directors for the Republic Bank in Gardena, followed by ten years of service for the Republic Bank of Utah. After fifty years of serving Gardena and the surrounding communities, Joe retired and closed his Jeffers Realty and Escrow Company. Joe enjoyed people, traveling, hunting, fishing, skiing, golfing, photography, Dodger games and flying his Cessna P210 with his longtime friend, Buzz. Joe was diagnosed with Leukemia (CMML) in March of 2009. In May 2010, he retired from banking. He spent his last year enjoying the company of family and friends. Joe Jeffers is survived by his wife, Toni; sister, Jessie Jean Dyess of Texas; daughter, Nancy Sherwood; and stepdaughters, Vickie Rico and Julie Chambers; son, Danny Jeffers; and stepson; James Purcell. He is further survived by nine grandchildren; and three great-grandsons; nieces, nephews, and foster brothers, Bill and Merle Blankenship; and foster sister; Dorleta Hardwick. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved foster sister and brother, Marguerite and Art Blankenship. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Leukemia Research Foundation or the American Hospice Foundation. For viewing and service information please call Vickie at (562) 547-0700. Please sign the guestbook at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.