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MICHAEL (MIKE) JEFFRIES
February 12, 1950 ˜ July 12, 2021
Our brother Mike passed away on the morning of July 12, 2021. Mike Jeffries, son of Art and Joan Jeffries, was born Feb. 12, 1950, in Bremerton, WA.
Mike was the second oldest child and the first son of the Jeffries Family. He loved family, friends, cars, welding, mechanics and life. He enlisted in the Navy after high school in 1968 and served for three and a half years despite never seeing water, in fact, he never learned to swim. He said that in order to pass the Navy swimming exam he walked the edge of the pool and took off running; he was not quite sure how he got across but he made it. We believe that was the last time he ever “swam”.
Mike served in the US Navy as a crew chief on the F4 Phantom, and his duties also included providing support for the Navy’s Blue Angels. He was well respected for his talent as a mechanic, his passion, and the pride he took in caring for his planes by both his crews and his officers. On many occasions, new pilots learned that it was Mike’s plane that they were flying, not theirs, and they better not screw it up.
While in the service, Mike was involved in serious roll over car accident. He was ejected from his car at nearly 70 MPH on the freeway, landed in a gravel pile the road crews had left and survived. Mom’s angels were certainly watching over him for in the car behind him was one of the top surgeons in the state of California. He spent a month in a coma and suffered a badly broken leg, but was blessed with another 50 years.
After recovering from his car accident, Mike returned home and went to work for the Bonneville Power Administration in Portland. Upon retirement in 1995, he was able to devote all of his time to, first and foremost, family and friends, then cars, car people and coffee groups.
Mornings always started at dad and mom’s house; their wakeup call was the smell of the freshly brewed coffee Mike had put on. As his license plate proudly stated, Mike was the 1st son. He loved his parents and was always there when anyone needed help. Sometimes a bit too early. He always wanted to be the first one there, the first to call and wish you a happy birthday, the first to start the coffee.
Mike cherished family. mom, dad, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins, he was always the first to be there for any need. He taught us to work hard and to be fiercely proud of our work ethic. He taught us to be self-sufficient, to love and celebrate life, laugh contagiously, dance spontaneously, how a smile can light up a room even on the darkest day, what true friendship is, and the responsibility we have to make the world a better place for the next generations.
Mike dearly loved his nieces and nephews. Although he never had children of his own, he was an amazing uncle. To Mike, every one of his nieces and nephews were special. He always made time for them, whether teaching them how to drive a car (or a tractor), mechanics, welding, building, but most of all taking interest in their lives. He loved and was so proud of each and every one of them.
Mike was blessed to have many amazing friends in his life. He loved meeting people, helping people and sharing life events with others. Car shows, swap meets, coffee shops, everywhere and anywhere. Each one was special and dear to him, each made him better.
We will always remember his smile and his laugh. We hope many of you will too. If Mike helped you at some point in your life, pass it along. That was his gift that he loved to share. Think of his smile when you help others. Mike would take great pride and joy in knowing that his gift is carrying on.
We know you had coffee in heaven this morning with Mom and Dad and you are happy. We miss you brother, we love you. We thank you more than you will ever know for all you did for us.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Art and Joan. He is survived by his siblings, Kathleen, Pat (Rosie), Tim (Sue), Mary Miller (Ray), Terry (Maryann), Mark, John, Matt (Katie); and dozens of nieces and nephews and their children. To all the younger generation (and numerous others) he was “Uncle Mike”.
A “Celebration of Life” will be held for family and friends. Please contact a family member for details.
Please share a memory @ www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
So sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I remember his special Jeffries smile and his love for all his family.
My Heartfelt Sympathy and Condolences and Love to all the Jeffries Family.
Shirley Ezetta
Friend
July 23, 2021
I was so saddened to hear of Mike's passing. It brings back a lot of memories from Tennessee Lane.
Debbie Calder-Viers
Friend
July 20, 2021
You will be forever missed, but never forgotten. Your friendship can not be replaced. RIP
Jeff
Friend
July 19, 2021
Mike, Judy and I miss your phone calls it was part of our day miss my buddy
Chuck& Judy DuMond
July 19, 2021
Michael we miss your phone calls the days are not the same you always made our days so much more fun
Chuck&Judy Du Mond
Friend
July 19, 2021
I was very sorry to hear the passing of "Uncle Mike". I had met him through my friend Tyson. Mike was a great guy! Loved cars and was always nice to everyone and always seemed so happy! Heaven got a good one!! Godspeed Uncle Mike!!
Andrew Tabor
July 19, 2021
See ya at the swap meet buddy.
Mark Holbrook
July 18, 2021
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