James W.

“Jeff” Jeffers

Jan. 23, 1953 - March 26, 2017

SOUTH BEND - Jeff Jeffers passed peacefully early Sunday morning, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by loving family. Jeff Jeffers was born James William Jeffers on March 23, 1953, in Neosho, MO, to the late Mary Lynn Cornwell Jeffers, and Billy Wayne Jeffers. The “Jeff” nickname was given to him by his mother, and it stuck for life.

Jeff attended Neosho High School, where his passion for football was nurtured by head coach, and mentor, Calvin Lane. Jeff earned all district honors in 1970.

Jeff then went on to earn his undergrad at the University of Tulsa. From there, Jeff decided it was time to pursue his passion, Notre Dame football. Jeff enrolled in graduate programs, where he would go on to earn his Masters in Communications from Notre Dame. Concurrently, Jeff began working at the campus TV station WNDU. He had found his calling covering Notre Dame football for WNDU, which Jeff would go on to do for the next 40 years, earning the title of “The Dean of Local Sports.” Few people in news stay a place for that long, Jeff did because he loved Notre Dame on such a cellular level. However, being a reporter wasn't a job, or even a career, it was a vocation, it's who he was. This passion for his work would be recognized by Jeff being recipient of an honorary monogram, from the Notre Dame Monogram Club in 2006, and then being inducted into The Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 2008.

What Jeff loved even more than being a reporter was being a family man. Husband to Leslie, and father to LeighAnn, Scott, Reilly, and Kelly, they were the light of his life. He would beam when discussing them. Despite his busy schedule, Jeff would make time for family. Whether that was football games of the boys, or softball for the girls, Jeff wanted to be there. To Michiana Jeff was, “The Dean,” but to his family, he was just Dad.

Jeff was preceded in death by: his parents Billy Wayne Jeffers, Mary Lynn Cornwell Jeffers, his adoptive father Bill Cornwell, nephew David Reed, and nephew Matthew Richards. Jeff is survived by: wife Leslie, sons Reilly and Scott, daughters LeighAnn and Kelly; sisters: Priscilla Reed, Barbie Jeffers, Nancy Morgan, Libby Richard, and a brother Jack Cornwell.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Jeffers Children Education Fund, at any Notre Dame Federal Credit Union Office.

Visitation will be from 3-7pm Wednesday at McGann Hay Funerals / Cremations / Gatherings, Granger Chapel, 13260 SR 23, enter on Cherry Rd. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at The Cathdreal of St. Matthew, 1701 Miami St. at 11:00am, Thursday with Rev Terry Fisher, Pastor officiating and Rev. Barry England giving the Homily. Cremation will follow at McGann Hay's American Cremation Society.

To send condolences to the family or for directions log on to: www.McGannHay.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by South Bend Tribune from Mar. 28 to Mar. 29, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for James Jeffers

Sponsored by McGann Hay Funerals, Cremations, and Gatherings - Granger Chapel.

15 Entries

Denise Streu

March 31, 2017

RIP Jeff Jeffers. You will be missed.

Mary Boits

March 30, 2017

Thank you so much for your coverage of NotreDame Sports. I did not know you passed until today. Thank God that your fellow colleagues did mention your passing. I am very sadden as I know many more NotreDame Fans will be. Bless your family I know the journey that they are following The reporting of Notre Dame Sports will never be the same. God bless you. Mary B.

Meg Sauer

March 30, 2017

What an incredible career! Jeff told the stories of hundreds of athletes, coaches, and just average "Jeffs". To many, that on-air experience will always be one of the highlights of their lives. Jeff will be remembered by every single one of them.
Meg Sauer

Kevin Rans

March 30, 2017

So sorry to hear of Jeffs passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to Leslie and the kids. I worked with Jeff for 15 years at WNDU after growing up watching him on TV. I went to quite a few Bowl games with Jeff covering Notre Dame football. It was easy to make Jeff laugh at work so much so that we could pretty loud in the back preparing for the shows. Of course Jeff loved Notre Dame and his work but he was most proud of his family. Leslie and his kids made Jeff a better version of himself and that's what I will remember most. May God Bless My friend Jeff Jeffers.

Norm Stangland

March 29, 2017

Jeff's love for his family, Notre Dame and life was evident everyday in the WNDU newsroom. He quickly became a friend and a tremendous co-worker. His great sense of humor and knowledge of sports will never be replaced. To his family we can't begin to feel the depth of your loss...You were always first in Jeff's thoughts...

March 29, 2017

My sincere condolences to Jeff's family and WNDU faily as a former employee of the station
from 1969 to 2002 working as a transitter engineer, our paths only crossed once in my memory but I always enjoyed his work. Prayers for the family & Jeff may you RIP.

UNIT 6 in those days before CELL PHONES.

Rob Hipskind

Lakeville

Cathy Wills

March 29, 2017

Kelly and family,
Please accept my sincere sympathy in the loss of your dad. Sending hugs and prayers to you and your family.
Cathy Wills

March 28, 2017

Reilly and family. We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our prayers. John and Rosanne Mumford.

Frank LaLone

March 28, 2017

Jeff was the most avid Notre Dame fan on the planet. His insight into the University is unsurpassed. A great broadcaster in his own right. My condolence to the family and his family at W N D U.

Tere Sinka

March 28, 2017

This news makes me so sad! My prayers to the whole Jeffers family! Peace and hugs! Tere Sinka St.Matthew School

James Bankowski

March 28, 2017

May Jeff rest in the peace of Christ. I remember the many times that I played "Holy God, We Praise Thy Name" on the organ, for the closing hymn, at St. Anthony's Church...Jeff loved this hymn and would wait for me to come downstairs from the choir loft to give me the two thumbs up sign! Prayers for Jeff and the family.

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