John Jeffrey

Prominent Logan County leader, John A. “Jake” Jeffrey passed away at home in Bellefontaine, Ohio August 1, 2010. He was 83 years old.

Teacher, Principal, “Coach of the Year”, and "Coach of the Decade” for the 1960’s, Jake was also well known as an elected official for the City of Bellefontaine City Council from 1975-1979, and Logan County Commissioner from 1981-1985 and 1989-1996. An enigma among his associates, he was an accomplished leader in the fields of sports, community service, education, politics and the environment, retiring to enjoy his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Born July 12, 1928, the son of the late Jacob W. and Kathryn A. Jeffrey, Mr. Jeffrey was a New Jersey native, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 1958 under full scholarship at Seton Hall University in South Orange, New Jersey. In 1978, he earned a Master’s Degree at the University of Dayton.

Mr. Jeffrey came to Bellefontaine during the 1950’s to serve as a Special Services Coordinator in the 664 A.C.& W. Squadron of the Air Force. It was during this time he met and married the former Sally Jo Kemper of Bellefontaine, who preceded him in death in 1985. He is now survived by his wife Jane as well as four sons, Scott of El Paso, Texas, Chris of Toledo, Ohio, Kevin of Atlanta, Gerogia, and Keith of Wentzville, Missouri; two step children, David Givens and Joanna Eaton of Bellefontaine, as well as grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends.

Following his graduation from Seton Hall in 1958, he began his four decade teaching career, resigning after sixteen years as Principal at Ridgemont High School in 1987 to devote himself fulltime to public office. During the ensuring years, Jake provided needed leadership during the critical growth period of the late 80’s and the 90’s.

Perhaps best known as “The Coach”, Jake devoted many years to football- 19 years, basketball- 6 years, baseball- 20 years and track 1- year, coached Ohio “Player of the Year”, six first Team All Ohio Players and more than a dozen conference, regional, invitational and sectional championship teams.

A conservative Democrat in an area known for Republican dominance, former Commissioner Jeffrey is said to have received as many Republican votes as Democratic. Remembered for his visionary voting record, he served on committees responsible for improvements of Logan County that include: the Logan County Senior Citizens Center, the County Home, and numerous other community action agencies for assisting the elderly and disabled. In addition to the regular duties of a commissioner, he was also a leader in activities that formed the local emergency management agency, comprehensive county plan, hazardous material response team, solid waste management programs and long term environmental fund.

Mr. Jeffrey was a member of the American Legion, Bellefontaine Elks, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Retired Teachers Association and the Ohio Football Coaches Association. He was voted Logan County Senior Citizen in 2008.

Jake liked to make Irish soda bread and give it to his friends. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he enjoyed doing baseball games on the radio. He just enjoyed people. He was a man who meant what he said, and said what he meant, he didn’t draw the line.

Mr. Jeffrey was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in North Lewisburg. He will be buried after a Mass at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Bellefontaine, Thursday, August 5, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. Father Patrick Sheridan and Gene Marine will officiate. Calling hours will be held at the Eichholtz Funeral Home in Bellefontaine from 5 to 8 P.M. Wednesday, August 4, 2010. Burial will be in the Calvary Cemetery in Bellefontaine.

In lieu of flowers, Jake requested that contributions be made to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church North Lewisburg, OH 43060

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