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James Jeffords Obituary
RUTLAND - James Merrill "Jim" Jeffords was born in Rutland, Vermont, the son of Marion (née Hausman) and the Honorable Olin Merrill Jeffords, who served as chief justice of the Vermont Supreme Court.
He had said that his mother, a music teacher and graduate of Syracuse University, was a relative of French architect Georges-Eugène Haussmann. Jeffords graduated from Yale University in 1956 and Harvard Law School in 1962. After three years of active duty in the United States Navy (1956-59), Jeffords served in the Naval Reserves until retiring as a captain in 1990. He was a law clerk for Judge Ernest W. Gibson Jr. during 1962 and 1963, and practiced law in Rutland.
A longtime resident of Shrewsbury, Jeffords became active in politics and government in the 1960s as Shrewsbury's grand juror, town agent and zoning administrator, in addition to serving as chairman of the town's Republican committee. He also served as Rutland County's chairman of the Board of Property Tax Appeals.
Jeffords won a seat in the Vermont state Senate in 1966. He followed that success in 1968 with a victory in the race for attorney general of Vermont. He was a presidential elector for Vermont in 1972. Jeffords sought the Republican Party nomination for governor in 1972 but was defeated by Luther "Fred" Hackett. In 1974, after winning the Republican nomination with a plurality in a three-way race, he won Vermont's sole seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served for 14 years and was the ranking Republican member of the House Education and Labor Committee. In 1988, Jeffords was elected to the U.S. Senate, and was re-elected in 1994 and 2000.
Jeffords married his late wife, Elizabeth "Liz" Daley, twice. Their first marriage was in 1961; in June 1978, the couple divorced. On Aug. 26, 1986, they married again, 25 years after their first marriage. Liz Jeffords died on the morning of April 13, 2007, after a long struggle with ovarian cancer. Sen. Jeffords and his wife had two children, Leonard and Laura. After his wife's death, Jeffords resided in Washington, D.C., a move he made in order to live near his son and his wife, Maura; daughter and her husband, Jan; and his two grandchildren, Patton and Hazel.
Funeral services will be held Friday Aug. 22, 2014, at 11 a.m. at Grace Congregational Church of Christ. Officiating will be the Rev. Steven Berry, sabbatical minister of Grace Congregational Church.
Military honors will follow the services at the church.
Burial services will be in Northam Cemetery in Shrewsbury at the convenience of the family.
There are no visiting hours.
Arrangements are under the direction of Clifford Funeral Home in Rutland.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Jeffords
Bob Dewey
November 25, 2016
Sorry for your loss. Jim was a great man. May he rest in peace.
September 12, 2014
SINCERE CONDOLENCE TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS,DEATH IS NOT EASY FOR ANYONE BUT OUR HEAVENLY FATHER HAS PROMISED US,IF WE DRAW CLOSE TO HIM HE WILL DRAW CLOSE TO YOU..JAS.4:8.........
Joan Frederick Bell
September 6, 2014
I think his picture should be next to 'Public Servant' in the dictionary.
Thank you for sharing him with us. As a teacher of 40 yrs. I see the amazing good he has done. I'm sorry for your loss.
Zhaire
August 28, 2014
I am very sorry for your lost and may the god of comfort be with you
Shhirley Rice Small
August 27, 2014
I wish to extend my sympathy to Jim's family.
After reading the many tributes offered at this time, it is plain to see that what we were priviledged to learn when in high school was shared by the rest of the country.
Jim was always fair, friendly and caring. I am proud to be able to say he was one of my friends in band etc. and am thankful to have known him.
George Wolf
August 26, 2014
Dear Leonard and Laura:
I would like to extend my condolences on the passing of your father. He was a fine man who always was willing to be of assistance to one of his constituents and of course a neighbor. Your dad was so helpful to my parents by helping them help my cousin to become an American citizen. Your dad was always willing to help and was always a good friend to our family.
I wish you and your family the best through these difficult times.
George Wolf
Anthony Goodson
August 25, 2014
My condolences and thanks to the Jeffords' family for sharing Jim with us for all these years.
August 25, 2014
Dear Jeffords Family,
I am writing to send my sincere sympathy and to share a few of the many kindnesses extended to the LaPlaca Family from your Dad.
Not only was he a super friend to my husband Tom (deceased 1995) who assisted him as his aide but Jim's kindnesses extended to additional things as well.
After my husband's death, your parents took me out to dinner and shows at the Paramount. The last one we attended, Liz took me to the Jeffords row of seats and showed me the engraved plate in my name in your row…. Jim said “That's what Tom would have done.”
It was difficult to reciprocate but did find a way.
They both loved music and asked if one Friday evening after I cooked dinner for them, we could go to my music teaching room at Fair Haven Union High School and sing a few tunes. Your parents had beautiful voices and I enjoyed accompanying them on piano.
We had the whole room to ourselves and it was freedom.
I think of your Mother often as I continue to battle ovarian cancer since Feb. 2012. On June 30 this year I retired, completing 55 years as District Music Educator in the Addison Rutland Supervisory Union School District.
Peace and all Good Things to you.
Thank You,
Fran LaPlaca
Fair Haven, VT 05743
August 25, 2014
August 22, 2014
so very sorry about your loss --the palfey family
John/Susan Auld
August 22, 2014
We send our sincere condolences to the family. Many years of working together, sharing visits, making a difference in our world of Vermont and the nation. We will remember Jim always.
John Meehan
August 22, 2014
Senator Jim Jeffords put principal before politics. He was outstanding leader not only for Vermont but America as well.
Dr. James N. Hurley, Jr.
August 22, 2014
....rest in peace Jim. Jim Hurley,Jr.
A Fan
August 21, 2014
There's a hero If you look inside your heart You don't have to be afraid Of what you are. There's an answer
If you reach into your soul.
And the sorrow that you know
Will melt away. And then a hero comes along, With the strength to carry on. And you cast your fears aside,And you know you can survive. ..Jim Jeffords was a hometown hero in Vermont that came along, irreplaceable. Kind and a true leader.
May your family find peace in their time of sorrow.
JIM JEFFORDS
August 21, 2014
LEN AND LAURA AND FAMILIES: 18 YEARS JIM
WAS MY "BOSS" SEEMS LONG AGO & YESTERDAY.
PLEASE ACCEPT MY SINCERE SYMPATHY. BROKEN
HIP PREVENTS ME FROM LEAVING HOUSE.
JIM JEFFORDS
August 21, 2014
MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU LEONARD AND LAURA
AND FAMILIES. BROKEN HIP PREVENTS ME FROM JOINING YOU FOR SERVICE. 18 YEARS
August 21, 2014
Dear Jeffords Family may sincere condolences to the family. May you find comfort by drawing close to God during this difficult time. James 4 : 8
Bernie L Graham Jr
August 21, 2014
Sorry for his loss ,He did our state & country proud, I enjoyed My times with him and the great friendship he had with my family .We all had respect for him . May God bless.
August 21, 2014
To the Jeffords Family, I appreciate all Jim's service to VT. I only met him once, but he left a permanent impression on me. His patience with the 7th grader I was, in answering my questions was not appreciated until much later, but I did not forget. His common sense and knowledge of politics and Washington will be missed.
Laurence J Melen
August 21, 2014
As a Vermont municipal official who had the honor of knowing Senator Jeffords professionally during the length of his service in both the House and Senate, I must say that he was a public official of a type unfortunately no longer seen in Congress: a man who always put the good of his Country, State, and constituents before any consideration of partisan politics or personal gain, regardless of the popularity of his decisions or the attacks of his colleagues. In 30 years, I was not aware of decision that Senator Jeffords made which was not based in his strong personal ethic and morality,
My condolences to Laura and Leonard. We all share in your loss and Vermont is diminished by your father's passing.
George Spangler
August 20, 2014
I could write alot of positive things about Jim Jeffords and they'd all be true. He was a good man who never forgot who relied on and supported him, and he used his gifts of intelligence, wisdom, curiosity and creativity to help those who were left behind by many others. the disabled, the undereducated children, the poor were always on his list of priorities and he got things done. Oh, and he loved a good laugh!
August 20, 2014
August 20
To the family and fiends. May God comfort you at this time of sorrow
Jer. 29:11,12
Sandra Saul
August 20, 2014
At the top of the list of most honorable and courageous statesmen, Senator Jeffords name will appear in bold print. America has lost a truly great man.
August 20, 2014
My sincere condolences to the families, our Almighty God is with you to fortify and comfort you all because he cares
for you 1 Peter 5:6 7
August 20, 2014
A friend, a mentor, and a boss. Jim hired me to be an Assistant Attorney General in 1969. What a time. When he lost the election for governor, we went into private practice together for three years.
what a time. So many memories. So many stories. One of the best times of my life. We stayed in touch for many years.The rest is history. Thanks Jim. God bless.
George Rice
South Hero
Julie Lafleche
August 20, 2014
Vermont has lost a one of its finest ..
Sherry Stimmel
August 20, 2014
Leonard, Laura and family,
I remember both your parents and you from Montpelier.I had a great deal of respect for both of them and was very happy when your dad ran for Congress. I was very sorry to hear of his death. May you find peace.
Sherry Stimmel
Brattleboro, VT
Kathy Codling (Kelley)
August 20, 2014
Leonard, Laura & Family,
I remember meeting Jim for the first time. Him and my dad were friends and they coached the farm league baseball team. Your dad was a wonderful man. May you take comfort in knowing he is a peace now and with your mother whom he loved dearly. God Bless all of you.
August 20, 2014
R I P
A. Levins
August 20, 2014
R I P.....
Nancy Sobotka (and the Korzun family)
August 20, 2014
To the Jeffords family...I cannot express my sadness in the passing of your father. His understanding, commitment and love for Vermont and his neighbors was deep...I personally benefited from this. The people of Vermont loved your father and respected him...may you find comfort knowing the many lives he touched throughout his life. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Bette dunsmore
August 19, 2014
My sympathy goes out to Jim's family. He is again with his beloved Liz. I fondly remember our trip to Indonesia in 1976 and out time in D.C. George really enjoyed working with Jim during his time serving him and Vermonters on the House Ag Committee. One thing I will always remember was the fact that no matter what the bill was in the House Jim's first question to his staff was "How will this bill affect Vermonters." He always put the welfare of his state and it's people first. Rest in peace Jim. Bette
Sandra Brooks
August 19, 2014
To the family, you have my sincere condolences in you loss may you have peace and comfort from Almighty God in your time of trials. 2Cor 1:2&3 &Matt5:3.
Thomas Nichols
August 19, 2014
Jim is in a much better place now. Our prayers are with everyone. I'm the Nichols at 19 Kingsley Ave in Rutland where we played baseball & basketball at or next to the Jeffords with Jim,the Guilds and others. I can't remember if Mary played. Our grandchildren love Kingsley Ave. My very best to everyone. All the Nichols(John, Jean & Betty) are sad today. Tom Nichols
Iwas 2 years older than Jim.
C Castillo
August 19, 2014
Please accept my condolences for the loss of your loved one. May the God of all comfort provide each of you with His comfort during this difficult time.
Dorothy Rackley
August 19, 2014
R.I.P. Mr. Jeffords was a great man. Love Dot Rackley and Family!!!
JANICE BUSH
August 19, 2014
Sorry foe the loss of MR jEFFORDS , THE FAMILY HAVE MY DEEPEST ,Condolence let passage be of Comfort ISAIAH24-33 LOOKIN FORWARD THAT TIME.
marty crilly
August 19, 2014
RIP your light will always shine no one will fill your shoes you will be missed by many
August 19, 2014
Mrs Robert C Langtry (Winnie). Jim and Liz leffords were members of the Shrewsbury Community church when we were in Shrewsbury. This was Bob's first parish as a minister. We were there when they adopted their children and celebrated with them the Joy they felt of finally having a family. Both children were a wonderful addition to the Jeffords family and they were so proud of them.
We were honored to call them our friends. We watched them as Jim's rise in politics grew until he ran for and won the seat in the US Senate.
May God Bless his family as they celebrate his life . May they find comfort in the fact that now Jim are together are together again. My love to them all. Winnie Langtry
ROBERT & HELENA DEWEY
August 19, 2014
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO VERMONT. I KNOW GOD IS WAITING FOR YOU WITH OPEN ARMS. REST IN PEACE
August 18, 2014
I am very saddened to hear of Mr. Jeffords passing. I had the honor and privilege of working for Mr. Jeffords in his office in Montpelier, Vermont, when he was a State Representative. He was one of the most kind, generous persons I have ever met. During my interview, he wanted to know "who I was, what my interests in life were" and stated that he "did not care what my politics were, as long as I worked hard for him" which I did. I still remember the day he interviewed me and the year that I worked for him before my family and I moved to Illinois. He was a great man who believed in fairness, the equality of all persons and did not allow himself to get caught up in the fund-raising mess that many of our elected officials do today. I am so sorry for his family and their loss. Mr. Jeffords was truly a Hero. We need more Heroes in Washington who live by the standards they set for themselves. God Bless You Mr. Jeffords and Your Dear Family.
Patricia (Pugliese) Melaik
peter mannella
August 18, 2014
I will always treasure the short time I got to know him during work on job training legislation. What a wonderful human being. Truly
Patty Dow
August 18, 2014
You are in my prayer and you are at peace now and forever and we will miss you so much.
david call
August 18, 2014
You were born with potential.
You were born with goodness and trust. You were born with ideals and dreams. You were born with greatness.
You were born with wings.
You are not meant for crawling, so don't.
You have wings.
Learn to use them and fly.”
The Pratt Family
August 18, 2014
We are so sorry for your loss. Heartfelt appreciation for all the good he tried to accomplish as a politician. He will be fondly remembered for generations to come. May the God of all comfort be with the Jeffords family as you join yourselves Unitedly to comfort one another. Our prayer is that your hearts be uplifted as you look forward to a time when sickness and death will be no more.
Deborah Lord
August 18, 2014
Grateful for Sen. Jeffords dedication to Vermont & our nation.
Carolyn A. Ward
August 18, 2014
My sincere condolences to family and friends. As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. I'm deeply sorry for your loss. 1Cor. 15:25,26.
Julia C Larrabee
August 18, 2014
My sincere condolences to the Jeffords family at the loss of this lovely man. Even though I moved away from Vermont, I was always proud of the fine representation that was given to the people of this country by Mr. Jefford's. God rest his soul.
Mrs. Barbara Marcovecchio
August 18, 2014
A job well done, good and faithful servant. Thanks for leading the way as an independent. Many blessings and hugs for friends and family.
Sharon Casey
August 18, 2014
Prayers to all Mr. Jeffords family and friends. May your wonderful memories be of comfort to you all at this time and in the future. I remember working on his campaign in 1974. He was such a nice man. Thank you for all you have done for Vermont and the rest of our country over all you years of service.
August 18, 2014
I send my condolences to Mr. Jefford's family and friends. May God comfort your hearts as you cope with your loss.
-2 Thessalonians 2:16,17
Lacy
August 18, 2014
May you draw close to God during this difficult time. James 4:8
Richard Herrick
August 18, 2014
R.I.P.
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