James Warren "J.W. or Jay" Goff

James Warren "J.W. or Jay" Goff, age 91, of Jefferson City, Missouri, passed away Sunday, February 11, 2024, at home with his family by his side.
He was born on December 30, 1932, in Cedar City, Missouri, a son of the late Leo Harrison and Hazel Odessa (Mason) Goff.
J.W. began his journey of service after the Korean War, stationed in Japan. Upon his return to Jefferson City, he found love and companionship in Carolyn Vaughn, whom he married on July 2, 1955, at the First Christian Church in Jefferson City, Missouri. In 1955, he embarked on his professional career with the Capital City Telephone Company, later merged into United Telephone Company. Despite a brief hiatus serving with the Jefferson City Fire Department, he resumed his tenure at United Telephone, dedicating himself until his retirement in 1986, prompted by a leg injury.
He possessed a multitude of talents and interests: an avid fisherman, he could effortlessly spot morel mushrooms that eluded others, consistently bagged his deer, and brought home an abundance of squirrels. Every year, he delighted in harvesting walnuts and pecans for baking and sharing with loved ones. Additionally, he showcased his dexterity through various crafts and eagerly pursued arrowhead hunting to expand his cherished collection. He spent many hours on projects with his nephew, Ricky Vaughn, where they made a beautiful wood kitchen table that is cherished within the family.
He enjoyed recounting his experience working at a dude ranch in Arizona when he was around 14 or 15. Feeling homesick, he was hired by an elderly chain-smoking woman to drive her from Arizona to Kansas City. Their journey included a stop in California to visit her sister and continued across the country, pausing only for essentials like gas, food, and cigarettes. He was greatly relieved upon reaching Kansas City, where he promptly called his uncle in Jefferson City to come pick him up.
Despite his lack of formal education, J.W. was the smartest man we knew. He had a passion for reading, devouring nearly every John Grisham novel. He was rarely seen without a book in hand until macular degeneration made reading too challenging. If anyone sought knowledge on any topic, they simply had to call him for the answer.
J.W. and his son, Mitch, shared countless hours fishing for crappie at the lake, often accompanied by amusing tall tales. He counted on Les, his devoted son-in-law, for assistance with countless household and yard tasks, and J.W. couldn't praise him highly enough. Every first Tuesday of the month, he eagerly anticipated Hollis Parsons picking him up for breakfast at Dudley's with their retired telephone company comrades.
His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought immeasurable joy to his life, and in his eyes, they could do no wrong. His daughter, Tammy, shared a unique bond, one that only a father and daughter could understand. His presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
In addition to his wife Carolyn, he is survived by his daughter, Tammy Giesing (Les) of Jefferson City; one daughter-in-law, Mary Goff of Sedalia; a special sister-in-law and niece, Patty Sandbothe and Tracy Vaughan; five grandchildren, Justin Risse (Erin), Jesse Giesing (Tiffany), Amanda Musselman (Matt), Mason Goff (Alyssa), and Taylor Goff; eight great grandchildren, Layla Risse, Asher Risse, Henley Risse, Olivia Giesing, Charly Giesing, Emmie Musselman, Cameron Musselman, and James Musselman; special first cousin, James Edward Martin, nephews, Greg Goff, Steven Vaughn, Ricky Vaughn; and nieces, Sheri Miller, Cindy Schupp, and Karen Sanders.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Mitch Goff; one brother and his wife, Eddie and Gwen Goff; father and mother-in-law, Willard and Oma Vaughn; brothers-in-law Earl Vaughn and Donnie Vaughn; and one niece, Bridgette Vinyard.
Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., Friday, February 16, 2024.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m., February 16, 2024, at the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend David Newton officiating. Graveside services and interment, with full military honors, will be held at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Compassus Hospice, 3405 W Truman Blvd # 210, Jefferson City, MO 65109.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.