Jacque Monte Jeffords, 95, of West Chester died Thursday, January 2, 2025 at Paoli Hospital from complications following a fall. His daughter, Judy, was by his side.
Born in Sutherland, NE, in 1929 he was the son of the late John M. and Grace Coker Jeffords. His family was part of the original homesteaders who moved to the “Sandhills” in the 1800s, living in sod houses and working the land farming and ranching. An only child, after his mother passed when he was 3 years old, Jacque was raised by his father and a loving extended family on both sides. His cousins were the siblings he never had. He started school at the Wild Onion School, a one room schoolhouse outside of Sutherland before moving into Mullen to live with his Aunt Clara. He entered the second grade and completed all his schooling at Mullen, except for his sophomore year when he attended Missouri Military Academy in Mexico, Missouri. His life in rural Nebraska made him the strong person with a “can do” attitude he became and gave him an appreciation for the community and people, the land and the animals. This stayed with him throughout his life.
Graduating from high school in a class of thirteen in 1947, Jacque worked construction and ranching in Nebraska and Arizona until he joined the Air Force in February, 1949. While engaged in a combat mission over North Korea during the Korean Conflict, Jacque found himself bailing out after his plane was hit by enemy fire on Nov 11th, 1950 (Veterans Day). He survived for 3 days alone before being captured. Listed as MIA until December, 1951, he was then identified as a POW by the North Koreans and remained as such until he was repatriated with other POWs in August, 1953. After four months in the hospital, Jacque received a hero’s welcome in his hometown of Mullen, Nebraska, where he was given a new car and the key to the city.
Upon his return to the USA, Jacque remained in the Air Force, becoming a pilot and then after being grounded due to back surgery, was placed in charge of maintenance of the Lockheed SR-71, a reconnaissance marvel that was the world’s fastest jet-propelled aircraft. In 1976, he retired as a Lieutenant Colonial after completing a tour on the Inspector General’s Team at SAC Headquarters in Bellevue, NE.
Jacque met and married the love of his life, JoAnn, from Poplar Bluff, Missouri in 1955, who he never forgot to express thanks to for her sacrifices made and endured during his military career. Her family quickly became his 2nd family. Together they had two children, John and Judy, who he loved dearly. After his military retirement, he and JoAnn moved to Lake Ozark, Missouri, where Jack built their lakeside house and they became strong members of the community. For a few years he owned a local small craft airfield, and he was a longtime member of the Lions Club, on the local Fire Board, and helped raise funds to build the area’s first hospital and other community buildings. Jacque was a talented artist, spending much time painting and drawing—taking classes to hone his craft while living in Lake Ozark. His shared his paintings with friends and family and he loved sending drawings in letters and cards back and forth to his granddaughter, Jessica, who inherited his artistic talent. He became a “fair” golfer, who achieved two hole in ones at two different courses. He and JoAnn were strong members of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Camdenton and volunteered in many endeavors, always willing to pitch in and help wherever as needed. He was often called to speak within Missouri about the Korean Conflict, his life as POW, or his military service in general. Jacque and JoAnn travelled the United States and the world, visiting friends, family and relishing new experiences. His quick wit, joyful spirit, and kindness made him loved by all who knew him. He never forgot his family roots and often credited his survival to the strong stock his came from. Until recently, Jacque kept in touch with relatives and friends through long, beautifully handwritten letters. After JoAnn’s death in 2015, he eventually moved to Pennsylvania to be close to his daughter and her family.
Jacque is survived by his daughter, Judy Jeffords and her husband Joe Homitz; his granddaughter, Jessica Homitz; two nephews Dan Massingham and Mark Massingham and their families; daughter-in-law, Pam Jeffords and her two daughters, Angel and Lisa. He is predeceased by his wife JoAnn, his son, John, his parents and so many other beloved family members.
Jacque’s graveside services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery with Military Honors at a later date.
Memorials in Jacque’s honor may be made to St. George’s Episcopal Church, Camdenton, MO, the ASPCA, or another charity of your choice, especially those associated with Veterans groups.
Source:
https://www.wentzfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Jacque-Monte-Jeffords?obId=34387867
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