JACK JEFFERIES

JEFFERIES--Jack Pankey, 95, of Vero Beach, FL died on July 17, 2024. Jack was born on December 5, 1928, in Radford, VA. He received a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from the University of Virginia, 1949; Juris Doctor, University of Virginia, 1951; a Master of Laws, University of Virginia, 1952; and a Doctor of Juridical Science, Yale University, 1954. He served with JACG, United States Army, 1954-1957. He was a New York and Virginia Bar member admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. He was a partner for 28 years in New York City with the law firm Lord, Day & Lord. Jack served as legal consultant to the Office of General Counsel for the United States Department of Defense. He was a member of the White House Conference on Equality to Fulfill These Rights and the U.S. President's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped. Jack was recognized as one of the best known U.S. experts on laws and regulations affecting hotels. He is listed in Who's Who in America and 2020 received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award by Marquis Who's Who. Jack met his wife, Karen Sommarstrom, in 1972 and they were married until she passed away in 2009. He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth, and his two grandsons, Felix and Adrien de Villegas. He was known amongst his friends for his great sense of humor and whimsical stories. A friend, a partner, a mentor, a father, and a grandfather; he was loved by all who knew him.