Donald Jefferies

Biography

Donald James “Jeff” Jefferies
The Original “DIY” Guy!
Donald James Jefferies was born on May 16th 1920 to James Bovier Jefferies and Alice Louise Peck, the 1st of five children, in Grantsville, Utah.
Dad went through Grantsville schools and attended 2 years at Branch Agricultural College in Cedar City. In October 1948, he completed the Master Aviation Mechanic Course at CAL-AERO TECHNICAL INSTITUTE in Glendale, CA. He was prepared well for his meaningful 35-year Career at HAFB, which included the Minute Man Missile Program.
Dad entered Military Service on June 2nd 1942 in the Army Air Corps with the 514th Bomb Squadron 376th Heavy Bomb Group during WWII. Dad and entire crew were shot down over Italy on December 28th 1943. He was captured and held a POW for 18 months in Stalag 17B in Austria. Dad met beautiful Norma Bauer at an open-air dance in Cedar City. She was impressed with his fancy footwork and he knew Norma was the girl for him! They were married for Eternity on May 25th 1946 in the St. George LDS Temple. They had 4 children.
Dad was an amazing example and mentor to us all of “Do It Yourself”! He could re-purpose anything and make it useful and functional. He was the great “re-cycler” before it was the cool thing to do. He could create, build, fix and repair just about anything and everything! He built their own cabin over many years with lots of love, sweat and tears. Projects were always in motion. Dad and Mom loved spending time together there and it served as the favorite gathering place for the whole family…our children’s most wonderful memories were made there!
Dad served faithfully in LDS Church callings from dedicated Home Teacher to Ward Clerk, Bishopric Member and a Bountiful Temple Worker. He was a man of few words, but his quiet service to many, spoke volumes of his love and willingness to help. He loved God, Country and Family. He was our Hero, a quiet True Patriot, as was most of his generation. He was a Man’s Man, yet the BEST bear-hugger, ever, and his needs were simple; a cold can of Tab and a big bowl of buttered popcorn.
Dad, even at 93, continued to drive a car, do the grocery shopping, work hard in his yard and patiently care for Mom…right to the end. He peacefully passed away on Tuesday, August 13th 2013 from complications after an emergency surgery. We LOVE YOU, Dad and will miss you, dearly.
Dad is survived by his sisters: Maureen and Mary Lou, and brother: Elgin, his loving wife: Norma, his children: Bruce, Brad (Rondi), Sherrie Lalor (Mike), Neil (Holly) and his Grandchildren: Chris, Tara, Tyler, Ramsi, Branigan, Jace and Tate and his (soon-to-be) 10 great-grandchildren, as well as, many caring in-laws, nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by: his parents, sister: Marge, grandson: Jarrod Jefferies (who loved hanging out with and helping Grandpa and Grandma J), and many other loved ones and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 20th 2013, 1:00 pm at Bountiful 2nd Ward, 650 South 200 East. Family and Friends may pay their respects on Monday, August 19th 2013 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 N. Main Street, Bountiful, and on Tuesday from 11:30 am – 12:45 pm prior to the Funeral at the church.
Interment, Lake View Cemetery, 1640 East Lakeview Drive, Bountiful, UT. Online guest book at www.russonmortuary.com.

Funeral Service

Tuesday August 20, 2013, 1:00 at Bountiful 2nd Ward
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