JOHN C. JEFFRIES

John C Jeffries, 80, stepped into Heaven from this temporary life here on Earth on May 20, 2015. He was born June 25, 1934 in NE Missouri. As a pre-teen he gave his life and heart to Jesus Christ as his Personal Lord and Savior. He graduated from Gorin High School in Gorin, Missouri in 1952. He then served in the US Navy and returned home to attend college in Kirksville, MO.

John graduated with his Bachelor of Arts Degree, Bachelor of Science in Education Degree and his Master's Degree from Northeast Missouri Teacher's College. He became a high school teacher and basketball coach. He taught his first 10 years in Gorin, Revere and Wyaconda, Missouri. Upon marriage to his wife, Sandi, they moved to Raytown, MO where he taught and coached for another 25 years in the Raytown School District. He also earned his Specialist Degree from Warrensburg, Missouri. John is survived his wife, Sandi, of 47 years; also surviving him is his two daughters by his wife, Bertha Bibby: Jana Muntz of Memphis, MO and Jerri Skinner (Dave) of Raytown, MO. He then had one daughter, Juli, and one son, John M Jeffries (Candace) of Kearney by his marriage to Sandi. John was preceded in death by his and Sandi's daughter, Juli Rebecca Cholak, his parents and 8 brothers and sisters.

John was blessed to have 6 grandchildren: Candice Mozley Coit (Chris) of Lee's Summit, Derrick Muntz, of Memphis, Mo., Garrett, Grace and Grant Jeffries and Blake Cholak all of Kearney, Mo. He had a Great Granddaughter, Kinley Coit who also brought great joy into his life.

Besides being a teacher John loved his work as a Basketball Coach. He devoted endless hours helping his young players learn the benefits of hard work and commitment. John was a member of First Baptist Church of Raytown all 47 years. He taught some as a youth Bible study teacher. John loved his church and supported it for the many years he lived here.

COACH was known for his quick wit and sense of humor that brought joy and laughter to those who knew him. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, former students and basketball players.

Funeral service will be 11:30 am Tuesday, May 26, 2015 at the First Baptist Church of Raytown with visitation 9:30 to 11:30 am. Burial will be in Brooking Cemetery in Raytown, MO.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Mission of Hope Dental Clinic.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, MO (816)322-5278