James H. Jeffery, Jr.

August 11, 1924 — February 19, 2016

James Hyatt Jeffery, Jr., 91, of Ijamsville, Md, passed in peace surrounded by his family, on February 19, 2016. Born in Washington, D.C. on August 11th, 1924 to Gladys Norwood Jeffery and James Hyatt Jeffery.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Ellen Wallis Jeffery, 90, whom he lovingly cared for during her extended illness with Alzheimer’s.

A graduate of McKinley Tech High School in Washington, D.C., he attended the University of Maryland prior to enrolling in the Army Air Corps. While enlisted, he rose to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and trained as a pilot to fly the Martin B-26 and later the Boeing B-17.

After being honorably discharged from WWII, Jim encouraged his family of carpenters and craftsman to form the first of several businesses called Jeffery Brothers. They went on to build many residences and churches throughout the greater D.C. metro area.

Later, Jim owned a masonry contractor business Coffey-Jeffery, Inc. for over 40 years, which particularly focused on residential development projects. A life-long entrepreneur with a love of automotive repair, he owned and operated Hill Top Storage in Ijamsville, MD, until his final days.

The study of history was a passion of his, along with reading, traveling and spending time with his long-time neighbors in Cloverly, MD. Ever the gentleman, Jim began learning ballroom dance when he was 88 and received local notoriety for his pursuits. In particular, he loved the rumba, swing and salsa. He had a great appreciation for big band swing music and the game of bridge; and looked forward to playing cards on Fridays with his bridge club buddies.

He was immensely proud of each of his four grandchildren and loved them deeply. Jim touched many lives with his quick smile, sparkling blue eyes and easy-going personality. A charismatic conversationalist, he enjoyed meeting and engaging with people everywhere and anywhere ... frequently over a cup of coffee.

His love of life, independent determination and youthful spirit, will continue to be an inspiration to many.

Survived by sister Shirley Howard of Bowie, MD, sons David N. Jeffery of Frederick, James J. Jeffery (Deborah) of Fairfax, VA, daughter Rebecca L. Jeffery (Richard) of Charlotte, NC ; grandchildren, Doug and Andrew Jeffery, Dana and Mastin Fowler.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 27 from 10 to 11 AM at Keeney and Basford PA Funeral Home, 106 E. Church Street, Frederick. Funeral services will be held immediately following at 11:00 AM. Interment will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Frederick.

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James H. Jeffery, Jr.

August 11, 1924 — February 19, 2016

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