Victor W. Jeffries Obituary

Served with him on his last tour of duty. Still have the Hawaii shirt (Christmas gift) in my gorilla box. You are not forgotten.

He was a great friend of mine. We used to work together in a clothing store on 85th St. in Broadway. I miss him very much. I’ve always thought I never knew he passed away until a friend of mine told me two years ago I never knew I could find out about him on Google, but I guess you can find anybody nowadays. I am so sad to hear from this. He was a great buddy very inspirational.

I dont know where to begin. I first met Victor when we both tried out for the boys varsity basketball team at the West Side YMCA in The fall of 1970. We were both 15, and sophomores in high school. We played together for 3 years. Victor was the captain of our team for all three years because even at such a young age, he was a leader. We didnt see much of each other after those years, but Ive always thought of him fondly and wondered what became of him. Tonight I decided to google his name and was saddened to see that he died in 2007. However, I was not surprised to see that he died while in the military while serving his country, because he was the kind of guy that lived to serve and help others.
I discovered a picture on this website of that team we played on (Im number 10) and seeing it brought back a flood of memories. Ive always wanted a picture of that team, and I feel now that Victor gave me that gift. I showed it to my wife of 38 years and my two adult children and they got a big kick out of both seeing me at 15, and also at having a chance to see the team Ive spoken of all these years, and the guy who led us.
God bless Victor and his family. I will carry warm thoughts of him for the rest of my days. Rest easy my friend.

I am in my 30s now but still carry coach Jeffrie's motivating words with me. I had him as a teacher for my junior year of high school P.E. I was the fat very unfit shy kid. He helped me find inner mental strength within a body that wanted to quit before I even started. He is the reason I became to believe and truly understand "mind over matter! " you will forever live on in my mind and heart coach Jeffries! Aloha..

love you daddy

Aloha Jeffries family,
There are no words to ease what you are feeling..just know that from the day I saw it on the Honolulu news cast that Victor had been taken from us, my knees went weak & I was in total shock. I would have contacted you b4 this but only found this page today. So please know there is another person out there who loved Victor. I first met him & Sam Washington when we were all just "kids" growing up in NYC (circa 1974 or so) & they were working at Morris Bros. on the upper west side..We became friends & shared some wonderful moments...HIS SMILE WAS INFECTIOUS !! And oh how he loved to laugh..I miss him..I post a rememberance for him every year on my Facebook page. He & one other special person, Kevin Wessel age 21 at the time are the 2 in my life (that I know of) who have been taken by these wars. I will continue to remember them both each year in HONOR of their service & sacrifice. God bless them & you..Aloha Mimi

To the family and friends of Petty Officer 1st Class Victor W. Jeffries:
Please accept my remembrance of Victor on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.

.............., more Vic pics soon.

Many people know and remember you, Victor, from your early "glory days" as Captain of the now world famous New York "Gauchos" basketball team which you led to a 39 - 1 record in the early 1970's. Little did we know then that many NBA greats would join afterwards and follow in the tradition you helped to start including Stephon Marberry, Chris Mullen, John Salley, Felipe Lopez, Dwayne "Pearl" Washington.........., and most recently, Kemba Walker! This classic black & white team photo shows you, holding the basketball and standing next to your brother, Harley. I'm seated on the bottom row, second from the right. I always admired and envied your exceptional skills and learned how the game should be played from you. Thanks for the lessons! VICTOR, YOU'VE MADE SO MANY SO PROUD! You are remembered daily and will NEVER be forgotten.

Your "Brudda" Sam Washington

More classic Victor pics.....,

Victor, you were the best athlete I ever knew and I miss you, Liz, Keisha & Chantel everyday. Before moving to Hawaii you spoke about meeting a special woman "to have some babies with" and God blessed you with Elizabeth, then along came Keisha and Chantel. You were such a great husband and father. Rest knowing you'll never be forgotten and always loved by so many.

Sam Washington

It was an honor to serve with you MC1. You are thought about often and your family is prayed for always.

Rest in peace Petty Officer Jeffries. You are not forgotten.

To the family and friends of Petty Officer 1st Class Victor W. Jeffries:
Remembering Victor on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Vic was much more than a sailor or a teacher he was a mentor and to many a hero! He touched more lives than we could ever imagine and he never knew it. He was an angel for his time here on earth and I believe now an angel with wings! He helped my husband countless number of times while stationed together at the seal team in Hawaii. I will never forget when my husband tried to contact Vic to thank him for the admiral's letter he had put in for him only to hear the devastating news but rest assured he awaits us in heaven! The last time we spoke to Vic was 2 days before we moved off of the island and his words to Bryan were "Rutie, there are no goodbyes in life only see you laters!"....we will see you later Vic!

Vic was so much more than a sailor or a teacher...he was a mentor and to many a hero! He touched more lives than most of us could ever hope for or imagine and I don't even think he ever realized it. He was an angel for the time he spent on earth and I am sure now an angel with wings! He helped my husband out countless number of times as they worked together at the seal team in Hawaii. I will never forget trying to get in touch with Vic to thank him for the admiral's letter he had put in for my husband only to hear the horrific news but rest assured he awaits us in heaven. I can still hear him now talking to my husband as we departed the island "there are no goodbyes, Rutie, just see you laters!"

On this day and with each day that we enjoy our freedom, I would like to give thanks and let you know that I do not take our troops for granted. May you experience God when you feel your loss.

Dear Victor's Family,

I knew your husband and father when we were in our twenties both residing in New York City when he was a phys.ed. teacher. He was the nicest fellow and always had a smile and the most postive attitude about everything. He was all about 'servicing',and taking care of others. Whether he was coaching or teaching, it was all about giving back to others. I am sorry for your loss and sorry for the world for we too have lost a wonderful human being. With sadness, but gladness at having known him briefly, I wish you joyful memories to carry on his spirit.

To Victor's Family,
I served in KU with Victor, know that he looked at your star every night before he went to bed.

Just wanted to say that I really miss Vic, he was a great shipmate and he is really missed I know its been a year, but I remember the day I got the news I was struck with pain. To the family, My prayers are with you I also wanted to say when I was done with Tango and got back not even a week my father passed away and he was Vic's age. God Bless,

ABH1(SW) Raul Rivera Jr
Tango Bat. 2007-2008
US Navy Customs

I offer my deepest condolences for your loss

You are truly missed brother. I am saddened that you are not here with us but I know you are watching over us. You were always an inspiration to all the junior sailors in our unit. You will always be missed but never forgotten.

Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.


The Wind on The Downs

“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”

(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )

Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….

“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”


I did not know Victor, but I am remembering
his service and sacrifice. He is my hero. !

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Other Side

i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.

can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.

i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side

the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.

i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.

Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)

“I hope it brings great comfort to any and all.
Peace on you. DonCon” 4-2008


The Other Side –
(To hear the song)
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol



Sincerely,

Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom SSgt Vince – Lackland AFB
Proud Air Force MIL SrA Dana – Randolph AFB

Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55

Angel and soldier drawing I have shared here.
http://tinyurl.com/6gey8b

OK, sniff....not like any of you need this but my son is in Kuwait. That hit me hard...And I can't even imagine how Petty Officer 1st Class Victor's passing hit you. I'm so very sorry and wanted to stop by and give my thoughts and prayers to all of you. If I may say, Victor, looks like such a doll. I just bet he was the guy that would pull a funny out of his hat! In any circumstance.
I'm wishing on each of you that loved him, a prayer that you will carry on his wit.
My love to all of you,
Michelle

To the family of Petty Officer 1st Class Victor W. Jeffries:
Victor gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families at this time. This is a Nonprofit Organization to honor are Soldiers!
FREE OIL ON CANVAS PAINTING OF THIS HERO. COMPLETE FORM AT WWW.HEROPAINTINGS.COM
Please contact us! Contact us directly at [email protected] or go to www.heropaintings.com. If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Kenna

I miis you, Victor.
Me and so many here, on the Mainland, miss you dearly.
You positively impacted us in countless ways and you'll never be forgotten.
We love you, Vic.

Thank you for the sacrifice made by Petty Officer 1st Class Jeffries and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!

You are remembered and respected. Thank you Petty Officer 1st Class Jeffries!

Vic was a great guy who always did whatever it took to help the team. He will be missed.

I dont know where to start...Coach Jeffries has always been like a father figure to me. Back in middle school he used to yell at me for not filling the water bottles up before games (being the water girl for the JV), then I got used to him getting on me playing JV ball. We took OIA that year with an undefeated record and I remember that day like it was yesterday. Coach Jeffries touched my life as well as my families life in so many ways I could never repay him for all the hard work he put into us. Before games we would all be in the locker room listening to these meditation tapes with him and we'd all laugh about it but afterwards it really did help us losen up before games. I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to play for such an awesome coach, father, and friend like Him. I will never forget what you taught me coach. I still carry it with me. God Bless You & Thank you for always believing in me. I know you'll be at my graduation in spirit when I graduate from the University of Houston. Thanks for everything Coach! I love you and miss you! God Bless your family! I miss seeing yall after the games. REST IN LOVE COACH JEFFRIES!!!

Vic,
we have the watch till we meet again! Semper Fi

So sorry to see your picture today in the Times. I remember your from Brandeis HS, you were a very sweet and funny man. May God keep your family safe.

Having served in Customs Batallion Sierra at the same base as PO1 Jeffries in Kuwait, I was excited to go home to Hawaii when TANGO arrived. They were our relief. Turnover is a hectic time and I wish I had known that you were a fellow sailor from Hawaii . . . it would have been an honor to have met you and shaken your hand!! Thank you for your service to our country and for the ultimate sacrifice you made!! I will keep you and your family in my prayers and rededicate my own service in your honor!! Fair winds and following seas SHIPMATE!

To the Jeffries family,

I know there are no words to say, except how sorry I am for your loss. May you hold Victors' memory in your heart and please remember he shall never be forgotten.

...For you every single soldier
Those who served so honorable
Your life was forever altered
While I’m home safe and free
I stand with grateful admiration
I stand respectful and so proud
I know I’m only a civilian
And I don’t even know if it’s allowed.

But I salute you; allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
Even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
My humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you.

A Proud Aunt
David M.Fisher
KIA 12/1/04 Iraq

Dear Liz and Family, I was proud to know Vic and to serve with him. He was a model Sailor and I teased him that he'd even make a good Marine. I was unaware of all of the love and support he had in his life, as he gave it and embued it. To a man, the JIATF-W team volunteered to render Military Honors to a beloved shipmate and friend. We will miss him terribly.

Mr. Jeffries was an excellent PE teacher. Not only did he push us to the best of our abilities, but he was a great person. He shared with us important life lessons, and always gave us good advice. I will truly miss this incredible man. God bless his family and loved ones.

I will miss you Mr. Jeffries!
With love, Laura

A Courageous Sailor. Devoted to serving your country when it called, you paid the ultimate sacrifice. It was a pleasure to know you and an honor to serve with you. My deepest sympathy to your family.

My condolences to the family & friends who must go on without this sailor.

I had the pleasure of working with MC1 Jeffries at NOSC Pearl Harbor HI. The day I processed him to depart for this mission, we chatted extensively about the upcoming mission, all his previous missions and the fact that he was ready to serve his country and return to his family. My heart was saddened to hear the news of his passing and frankly I am still in shock.

A dedicated, strong and courageous individual who was proud of his service to our nation, MC1 Victor Jeffries has gone home to a better place and will always be remembered in our hearts.

Fair Winds & Following Seas Shipmate.

In the years I served with JO1 at the SDVT1, he never had a bad word to say about anyone. He always had a positive attitude towards anything we did. I could not believe it when I heard he was gone because it seemed only yesterday that I last saw him. My heart felt sympathy and condolences goes out to his family and friends. I would like to thank everyone that came to his funeral yesterday.

To the family of MC1 Victor Jeffries I offer you my deepest condolences and my prayers are with you at this difficult time. I had the pleasure of serving with MC1 Jeffries in the Customs Battalion Tango and I have never known a finer man than your husband, father, son and brother.

To Victor my friend, I say thank you for being such a blessing to me in the short time I had to know you. Shipmate,"you stand relieved" and we shall carry on.

HM1 Donna Frendt

Vic was an exemplary husband and father. My family had the pleasure of knowing him and all his life was about. When working with him, he was a spark to each day and brought energy to our team. Off duty, he was always there for my family when I was deployed. It was obvious to me that he was well loved locally when so many people would see him and run over to say hello. Many former students from his classes and former student athletes he coached greeted while I was going somewhere with him around the island. Vic lived the Aloha. May God grant his family that peace of Aloha when they remember Vic the way he always was; full of life and with a smile.

Victor, although I never had the chance of knowing you during our years at Brandeis HS, what an honor & privilege it would have been to have know such a great person and the hero you turned out to be. I am so glad to read that during your time here on this earth you made a difference with your positive attitude, friendlyness, helpfulness and the caring of others. You are truly a hero and the Lord has now made you one of his angels. My prayers go out to your wife, children & family during this difficult time of mourning. May the Lord bless your family and give them the strength & courage so that they may continue on without you. You will always live forever in everyones heart. Rest in peace.

A COACH i WiLL NEVER FORGETT!

"You will find as you look back upon your life that the moments when you have truly lived are the moments when you have done things in the spirit of love!" -Henry Drummond

COACH .. AS i LOOK BACK UPON MY YEARz iN HiGH SCHOOL .. I CANNOT HELP BUT THiNK OF THE MANY WAYz YOU'VE DiSPLAYED YOUR LOVE FOR MY LiFE iN BOTH SCHOOL&BASKETBALL! WHEN i WAS iN MY LOWEST POiNTz YOU TOOK THE iNiTiATiVE TO SEARCH FOR ME!! .. PUTTiNG ME BACK ON THE RiGHT TRACK [[LiTERALLY]]! I CAN'T STAND BUT THiNK OF HOW FORTUNATE i WAS&STiLL iS TO HAVE KNOWN SUCH A GREAT COACH! i LOVE&MiSS YOU DEARLY COACH! YOUR "COACHiNG-LEGACY" WiLL LiVE ON .. iN ME .. ALWAYZ!!!

with a grateful & sincere heart ..

I had the pleasure of working with and assisting MC1 Victor Jeffries while I was stationed at the Navy Operational Support Center Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

A true gentleman who always treated everyone with respect. He and I worked through some difficult times but in the end, friendship and victory was gained.

A dedicated Sailor with a heart as big as Texas. My prayers and sympathy is extended to his family and friends. MC1 Jeffries will be missed by many of his comrades.

Fair Winds and Follow Seas my friend.

As a member of Navy Customs Battalion Sierra, I would like to offer my sympathies, along with my gratitude, to the family of Petty Officer Jeffries. Although I never had the pleasure of knowing MC1 Jeffries, I am appreciative to him for his service to his country. My heart goes out to his wife and daughters in this time of great sadness. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers daily.

Mr. Jeffries!!!
When I first heard the news, I was so unbelievably sad. He was my P.E. teacher in my sophomore year. He was the BEST P.E. Teacher I ever had..I I became really fit because of him. He always made us stretch really good before running around the track. Everyone remembers him as the guy that says "ALWAYS DRINK WATER". Ahhh, I miss those days already. I will never forget all the things he taught me in FHS. It sucks that he couldn't see us graduate this May of 2008. He will forever be missed and looked upon as our hero.

To Mr. Jeffries family,
thankyou for having him serve the country and he loves you all very much. He always talked about his wife and kids whenever we were getting ready for the bell to ring.
Long live Mr. Jeffries! You're in God's hands now :]

There are those who say wars are wrong and we shouldn't be involved. Yes they right & wrong?
We all enjoy the freedom to say and do pretty much what we want. But a price has to be paid for what enjoy. Because there those who wish to take that all away, and more. God Bless all that serve on my behalf & come home safe!

Vic was a great 1st class Petty Officer, a good friend, he cared about his country almost as much as he cared about his family. He and I started the Small Craft RepairImprovement Program (SCRIMP) and we both enjoyed the challenge. When the name was changed to Small Craft Maintenance Training Team (SCMTT) he used to tease me that I should have changed it to match my name (SCHMIDT). Vic had the attitude and drive to suceed and make everyone else desire to suceed as well. His service with the Coast Guard, Army and Navy made him a unique indivual, with multi-talents that let him think "outside the box"
I am better for having known him, and I will miss him. Liz, my most sincere sympathy and best wishes.

I only had the pleasure of working with MC1 Jeffries for a brief period in Williamsburg when I was helping one of our shipmates with some certificates. The memory I have of Victor is his smile. He was always upbeat and always smiling. Thankyou for having such a positive effect on so many. You are truly missed.

I am glad to have served with you with Tango and are truly missed. A true leader, husband, father, brother and friend. We have the watch.

God Bless your soul for this sacrifice.

I met Victor at Mid-Pacific Institute on Oahu while his kids were enrolled with my sister. I only spoke to him a handfull of times, but each time he inspired and taught me something about life. You all are very lucky to have known him for as long as you did. A great man. God Bless you Victor, we'll see you again someday.

In memory of a true hero in my book. From an old Brandeis HS classmate.
May the Lord hold you and your family in His Eternal Glory. God sends angels to this world, and Victor you are one of them, for all the people you touched with your courageous and loving heart.

To the Jeffries' Family

Sympathy without experience is a just a sentence of words meant to be caring and I feel ill-prepared to offer my condolences to you, Victor's family, when your pain is so deep and so fresh............

When I read this guest book with tributes from his students I realize that Victor had been a Soldier in the military and a Soldier in the classroom for a very long time...........his MEDALS will come from the Army and equally important are the ones that come in the form of letters from the young people he taught, who looked up to him and learned so much...........so in the battlefield of life.....this man, father, soldier, son, teacher lived an honorable and important life

......Bless you all..... through these trying times, may his children know his great legacy and his great love for mankind. God bless you all, Humbly I thank you......

From the first time we meet in the first grade you showed the ability to be a leader. From the first time we played on a team together you showed the ability to be a teammate. In junior high and high school you showed how important it is to have a true friend. You left this world much too soon and you leave an empty place in my heart and mind. P.S.163, Joan of Arc JHS and Louis D. Brandeis are only some of the places you left your mark. From my family and I, and the CLASS OF 70 and 73, may you rest in peace. You have made us all proud to call you a Classmate, a teammate and a friend! Till we meet again Vic, much love!

Victor:
We knew each other when we were teenagers; we went through Jr High & High School together in NY. I regret never crossing paths again to meet the fine man you turned out to be. I will remember you always as one of the coolest kids in school!

My condolences to your family.

My the Lord God bless the memory and the family of Petty Officer Victor Jeffries. You have touched my life in a special way.

Father we entrust our brother Victor to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
May God hold Victor in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathy.

Hey Mr.Jeffries,
well i remember the last day of physical fitness...when you always pushing me to finish my lap and my push ups and you know you drills...well to the family of this infamous and heart warimiung men...i juss want to say to b juss be strong and alwatys remember that he is not gone....only his body is gone but his soul still live with in us...Ride in Pride Coach. Jeffries and we shall meet again...
Taimane "biGG_m@m@"Fale

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. I lost my
Grandson PFC Joseph R Berlin on December 30th. As I grieve for the loss of our HERO I also grieve for Petty Officer 1st Class Jeffries and all who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.Thank you.

Dear Victor. We talked on the cell phone for years long distance.You were watching out for my brother. You never gave up on him.I can still hear your voice in my head. You were willing to do what ever needed to be done. You became a teacher. You watched out for your family, friends, students, and country. I only met you twice in person and it was like we were brothers. Thank you again Vic, for all you did. I never got a chance to meet your wife or daughters but they can always be very proud of you. You "are simply the best"! This country will never understand what it has truly lost. I will miss you brother. Words can not express what this world has lost.

GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU IN YOUR TIME OF NEED. THANK YOU, VICTOR, FOR THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE, COURAGE AND HONOR YOU HAVE GIVEN US. YOU WILL BE SORELY MISSED.