Welcome to the memorial page for
John Bliss Jeffrey
September 23, 1944 ~ October 16, 2017 (age 73) 73 Years Old Light a Candle
Leave a Condolence
Message from Gary L. Sullenger, Ed.D.
October 28, 2017 2:13 PM
Like a number of others who posted condolences, I had the honor of being a Mott Intern for a year with John. The friendship we all developed has allowed us from time-to-time over the years to reconnect. A number of years ago I had the chance to be in Big Rapids and John in typical fashion rolled out the welcome mat to take me around and acquaint me and my wife with a number of features of Big Rapids. In reading so many comments from others it is clear John positively impacted so many places he lived and worked; but I know most of all he impacted his family.
My thoughts and prayers will be with his wife, children, and other family members during this time.
Gary L. Sullenger, Ed.D.
My thoughts and prayers will be with his wife, children, and other family members during this time.
Gary L. Sullenger, Ed.D.
Message from Judy and Don Mullens
October 27, 2017 11:24 AM
Ardenne, words cannot express the sadness in our hearts for you and your family. John was such a caring and loving men to everyone. Please know we’re sending our love and prayers to you at the sad and difficult time.
Message from Mike and Elaine Murphy
October 22, 2017 2:23 PM
Dear Sam and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. John’s kindness and smile will live on in our hearts forever. Thinking of you and sending love and prayers.
We are so sorry for your loss. John’s kindness and smile will live on in our hearts forever. Thinking of you and sending love and prayers.
Message from Christine Hammond
October 21, 2017 9:07 PM
Sam, Jason, and all the Jeffrey family - I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing and your loss. It is a loss for all of us. He was so very kind to me when I was at North Central. I saw him as a role model, consummate gentleman, and outstanding leader. Our lives are richer because of his service and his spirit. I am holding you in my heart. Take care.
-Chris
-Chris
Message from MIchael Kohan
October 20, 2017 10:10 PM
What an appropriate middle name! John spread a sort of BLISS wherever he went......
A candle was lit by Michael Kohan
on October 20, 2017 10:08 PM
Message from Bob Marsh
October 20, 2017 4:38 PM
I met John a few times over the years, but I really got to know him when he worked just down the hall from me at the college, something I consider to be one of my luckiest moments. I'll miss his presence, wisdom, humor and, most of all, friendship. In a birthday card he once gave me, he said he was proud to call me his friend. Perhaps, but not nearly as proud as I was.
The world has lost a great one. My deepest condolences to Sam and the entire family.
The world has lost a great one. My deepest condolences to Sam and the entire family.
A SPATHIPHYLLUM was sent on October 20, 2017
Our Deepest Condolences, Sincerely, Michael J. Travis and the Elk Rapids High School Staff
A candle was lit by George and Brenda Korthauer
on October 20, 2017 8:19 AM
A candle was lit by Alisa Santti
on October 19, 2017 9:57 PM
Message from J. Kevin Jeffrey (John's Brother)
October 19, 2017 9:29 PM
To all of my brother's friends, co-workers and colleague's: Your postings are all deeply appreciated! As you thought of him as a leader and friend, John's love of family and deep belief of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior was at the forefront of who the man was. He was a true peace maker, layer of the palm branch and a man of honor. On behalf of my brother Charles and my sister Jill, we thank you! God's richest blessings on your journey. Trust when I say, John is rejoicing in heaven!
Message from Lani Laporte
October 19, 2017 7:22 PM
Dear Sam and family, our deepest sympathy on the loss of John. A tragedy to all. I know he will be greatly missed by each of you and this community. We are all so very sad at his passing. May God hold him gently in His hands, and bring you all peace.
A candle was lit by Lani and Kevin Laporte
on October 19, 2017 7:19 PM
A candle was lit by That Ronquist Family
on October 19, 2017 6:03 PM
Message from Genevieve & Bob Shepherd
October 19, 2017 12:42 PM
God Bless all of the Jeffery Family, keeping you in his strength and loving arms. We only met John a couple of times, but Jason sure loved his Dad a lot and we pray for all to feel comfort that John is getting lots of love up in heaven with our Lord.
A candle was lit by Joanie & Al Savage
on October 19, 2017 11:04 AM
Message from Ethel Larsen
October 19, 2017 10:13 AM
John was superintendent when our children were in school. I echo the "kind and caring" expressed by others. And approachable; open; compassionate. We are all the better to have had him in our (and our children's) lives.
Message from Timothy Taylor
October 19, 2017 9:00 AM
May our Lord bless and comfort you and your family during this time of grief. Please accept my sincere condolences. Tim Taylor
Message from Wayne Johnson
October 19, 2017 6:41 AM
Dr. Jeffrey was my middle school principal at Potterville. I can remember getting chicken pox the night before my class was to go our 5th grade camp. But, leave it to Dr. Jeffrey to help out. Once I got over them, I can remember him taking me to Quality Dairy for an ice cream cone to make up for me not being able to go. He was a very caring man whom I greatly respected. He is one of the reasons why I am an Elementary School Principal today! Until we meet again Dr.....
A candle was lit by Paul and Cyndi Pellegrino
on October 19, 2017 4:47 AM
A candle was lit by Laura Buckingham
on October 18, 2017 7:38 PM
Message from Terry and Don Wright
October 18, 2017 4:41 PM
John was a friend and mentor for many years. He was my superintendent in Big Rapids for 8 years and then again in Petoskey for 9 years. We joked that he was my boss longer than anyone and I was his longest running teacher. But he was a friend, not up on a pedestal. Sam, Jason and Nick, and all of your family, we are very sorry for your loss and hope that your wonderful memories will ease your sadness.
An A GARDEN PATH was sent on October 18, 2017
John - Friend, Mentor, and Colleague. You are missed, but never forgotten. Dave Bowman
Message from Matt and Rosie Teeter
October 18, 2017 2:39 PM
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you in your time of loss. May god bless.
A candle was lit by Anna Blight
on October 18, 2017 1:47 PM
Message from Kristen Moser Herriman
October 18, 2017 12:01 PM
Dr. Jeffrey was such a kind man who left his mark on the world. He will be greatly missed. Sending my condolences in your time of loss. The world was a much better place because of him.
Message from Jerry Westerman
October 18, 2017 10:39 AM
John was a pleasure to work with in his role as Superintendent of our Public schools. I enjoyed knowing and working with him during our time together in our school system.
A candle was lit by Nancy & Robert Stachnik
on October 18, 2017 10:25 AM
A candle was lit by Kristen Moser Herriman
on October 18, 2017 9:45 AM
Message from Gary Hice
October 18, 2017 9:22 AM
Dear Sam and family,
My heart aches. I loved John. He was an inspiration and mentor to me as well as a role model. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. He will never be forgotten.
My heart aches. I loved John. He was an inspiration and mentor to me as well as a role model. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. He will never be forgotten.
Message from Matt Olson
October 18, 2017 8:44 AM
Jason - I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you are in my prayers. On behalf of your many friends here at Benzie, our deepest sympathies. Peace to you and your family my friend.
Message from Mike Hill & The Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District
October 18, 2017 8:28 AM
We are all very sorry for the passing of Dr. John Jeffrey. It seems too soon. A man of great character and integrity. A person and educator we all respected. A father of two outstanding young men, who also happen to be great fathers (and educators)!) We are all very, very sorry. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Jason, please know all of TBAISD is thinking about you and are here for you. Go Cubs!
Message from Justin Jeffrey
October 18, 2017 8:00 AM
I love and miss you Uncle John. Say hi to Grandpa for me.
Ecclesiastes 7:1
Wisdom
A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth.
Ecclesiastes 7:1
Wisdom
A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth.
Message from Joe Esper
October 18, 2017 5:47 AM
Nick and Jason - I'm so sorry for your loss.
Message from Joe and Shelly May with Geoff, Bethany, and Chelsea
October 17, 2017 11:39 PM
The May family fondly remembers our neighbors John and Ardenne during their eleven years in Big Rapids. When John would jog by our house, our kids would grab a bottle of water and run out to the road to give it to him on his return trip home. The Jeffrey house was always our first stop on Halloween evening, and we have several Halloween family photos that John took. My grandchildren now play in the playhouse he and Ardenne gave us. Our sincere condolences to John's family. He was a wonderful man.
Message from Terry & Betsy Newton
October 17, 2017 11:22 PM
I got to know John & Sam through the Rotary Club of Petoskey. John and I both had the distinct pleasure of being sponsored by Jack Waldvogel. Jack's wit and wisdom, humor (some inappropriate, LOL) and outspokenness was often tempered by John's amazing kindness, soft spoken wisdom and being a consummate gentleman. I treasured every conversation and visit with John and Sam. I always looked forward to their return from Florida and his return to Rotary. My deepest condolences to Sam and the rest of his family. He will be deeply missed and remembered very fondly by all who knew him.
A candle was lit by Karen Mazzoline
on October 17, 2017 10:05 PM
A candle was lit by Karen Mazzoline
on October 17, 2017 10:02 PM
A candle was lit by James and Stasha Simon and family
on October 17, 2017 9:10 PM
A candle was lit by Kathy Barnett
on October 17, 2017 9:03 PM
A candle was lit by Shelly Gudmunsen
on October 17, 2017 8:39 PM
Message from Dian McDonald
October 17, 2017 8:34 PM
Oh Ardennes, how terrible. He made such an impression on me, he made me rise to his expectations. His wit, we shared so many silly jokes. He knew my son was down state, at the same time your daughter met a guy. Checked with me to see if it was Eric. Then, of course our love of White castles, made me smile.he was a treasure.
Message from Dr. Lawrence (Larry) Wilder
October 17, 2017 8:18 PM
I was a 1975 Mott classmate with John. So sorry to hear about his passing. I always appreciated him as a fellow Mott scholar. May God's peace comfort you at this time of sadness.
Message from Dick Hughes
October 17, 2017 7:16 PM
My heart wept tonight when I heard of John’s passing. John was a bright and shining star who gifted us with his brilliance and his basic goodness. John had great abilities, pure motives, and a love for humanity. He gave of himself to students, friends, and to his communities. We became friends while students at WMU. John was always in my heart eventhough we lost contact with one another over the years. My empathy goes out to his lovely wife and his children and grandchildren. May God bless them all during this time of deepest grief in their lives. Their loss is a great loss to me, too. Goodbye and blessings, my Friend.
Message from Dr. Donna Schmitt-Oliver, Professor Emeritus, Eastern Michigan University
October 17, 2017 3:28 PM
Ardenne and family--I just received news via MASA regarding John's passing. My deepest sympathy to you all. John and I were Mott Doctoral Fellows together with 11 other classmates in 1973-75 with Western Michigan University. What good memories we all had of the times we worked and studied together during those years. Please be assured of my prayers and condolences for you all at this difficult time.
Donna Schmitt-Oliver, Ed.D.
Donna Schmitt-Oliver, Ed.D.
A candle was lit by Linda Murray
on October 17, 2017 3:06 PM
Message from Sue and Tom VanDeventer
October 17, 2017 3:06 PM
John was a wonderful husband, family man and educator. He was kind and thoughtful in the purest sense. John was an exceptional educational leader wrapped in a cloak of humility. He cared about every student, staff member and parent. We are all better people for having known John Jeffrey. We send our prayers and sympathy to Sam and their family.
Message from Chris Wigent
October 17, 2017 2:52 PM
It is extremely difficult and so very sad to have to say goodbye to John Jeffrey. He was a consummate gentleman, a highly effective instructional leader, an engaging person, and my mentor. I know that the impact that he had on so many throughout his life is a wonderful legacy that will last for years and years. My sincere condolences to Ardenne and the rest of the family. My thoughts are prayers are with you all.
Message from Pat Moser
October 17, 2017 2:43 PM
Sam and family - I am so very sorry for your loss. Though I didn't have the opportunity to get to know John very well as Carl retired soon after John came to Petoskey, I saw him as a kind and caring person and know he will be missed by all who knew him. Remember him and all the good times. God Bless.
A candle was lit by Sue and Tom VanDeventer
on October 17, 2017 2:40 PM
A candle was lit by Pat Moser
on October 17, 2017 2:37 PM
A candle was lit by Pat Ryde
on October 17, 2017 1:22 PM
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