John Bliss Jeffrey

Dr. John Jeffrey, 73, of Petoskey, died October 16, 2017 at home surrounded by his family.

On September 23, 1944, John Bliss Jeffrey was born to Charles F. and Winifred (Logan) Jeffrey in Homewood, Illinois. He grew up in Mattison, Illinois and later moved Elmhurst, Illinois where he completed his undergraduate work at Elmhurst College in 1966. John continued his education at Eden Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri and graduated in 1970. John's first job in education was teaching at an inner-city school in St. Louis, Missouri. His never ending love of education eventually brought him to Western Michigan University where he graduated in 1975 with a Doctorate in Education.

On July 28, 1984, he married Ardenne "Sam" Rohrabacher.

Over the years, John worked as a Community Education Director and Middle School Principal in Potterville, Michigan; a Principal and Assistant Superintendent in Howell, Michigan; Superintendent of Schools in Big Rapids from 1986-1996; and until his retirement in 2005, John served as Superintendent of Schools in Petoskey, Michigan.

After retirement, John became the Director of the University Center and taught a World Religions' class at North Central Michigan College in Petoskey. Also, John and Sam started spending their winter months in Venice, Florida and have done so for the last 9 years.

He was a volunteer for Manna Food Pantry, Chamber President, Rotary Club member and a Paul Harris Fellow. John enjoyed most things involving fitness; especially walking, biking and yard work. In his spare time he loved to read books and watch his favorite team, the Chicago Cubs.

John always kept in touch with his lifelong friends from high school, college and previous co-workers. He was a kind and generous man.

John is survived by his wife, Ardenne "Sam" Jeffrey of Petoskey; sons, Jason (Jayme) Jeffrey of Traverse City and Nick (Jeanette) Jeffrey of Traverse City; step children, Sarah Brigham of Kalamazoo, Rachael Brigham of Howell, and Dennis Brigham of Howell; 8 grandchildren, Aubrey, Jackson, Charlie, Morgan, Keaton, Stephanie, Isabella and Brent; his mother, Winifred Jeffrey of Watertown, WI., and siblings, Charles Jeffrey of Rice Lake, WI., Kevin Jeffrey of Watertown, WI., and Jill Strelow of Racine, WI.

There will be a visitation at Stone Funeral Home on Friday, October 27, from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. John's memorial service will be held the following day, October 28, at The First Presbyterian Church in Harbor Springs at 11:00 a.m. with a one hour visitation prior to the time of service. Toby Jones will officiate.

The Jeffrey family suggests memorial donations to the Petoskey Education Foundation (1130 Howard St., Petoskey, MI 49770) or Elmhurst College (190 Prospect Ave., Elmhurst, IL. 60126).

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