John Richard Jefferies

1929 ~ 2020

Obituary Photo for John Richard Jefferies < >

Service:

May 29, 2020
5:00 AM
200 N Street E, Salt Lake City, UT 84103

John Richard Jefferies passed away peacefully on May 24, 2020 in St. George, Utah. Ruby, his loving wife of 15 years, provided strength and comfort. John was born in Salt Lake City on August 7, 1929 to William Chester Jefferies and Sarah Elizabeth Flinders. He graduated from South High School in 1946. He attended the University of Utah on a track scholarship and graduated with a BA in art in 1950. Later, he earned an MHA from the University of Minnesota. John married Bonnie Peterson Stoker on February 12, 1952; they raised three children.
John served as an Army officer in the Korean War and was an accomplished golfer, outdoorsman, and artist. During his career, he was the Administrator of Primary Children’s Hospital (Salt Lake City, Utah), All Children’s Hospital (St. Petersburg, Florida), Columbus Children’s Hospital (Ohio), and Duchesne County Hospital (Utah). John was President of Buffalo Children’s Hospital (New York) and the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions (NACHRI) and the Children’s Hospitals Executive Committee (CHEC) and represented children’s hospitals in the Children’s Miracle Network.
John’s testimony of Jesus Christ was central to his life as he served others in countless ways. He and Ruby served two full-time service missions for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Ruby was his loving companion and source of strength in his later years, as they shared many adventures and traveled the world.
John will be remembered for his boundless generosity and mentorship among his family, friends, and coworkers, as well as his graciousness under pressure. He fought the good fight, ran the good race, and endured until the end.
John loved his family dearly. He is survived by his devoted wife, Ruby; his sister, Dorothy Thuet; his children, Julie Jefferies, Jim Jefferies (Laura), and Brad Jefferies (Jasmine); grandchildren, Sam Paquette, Zac Paquette, Natalie Jefferies Peterson (Eric), Joshua Jefferies, Peter Jefferies, and Jacob Jefferies; and great-grandchildren, Drake Paquette, Estelle Peterson, Emmi Eckes, and Dixon Shimkus. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie; and his grandson, Jeff Paquette.
A graveside service will be held May 29th at 11:00 am at the Salt Lake City Cemetery. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, attendees are asked to comply with government directives by being mindful of social distancing and wearing a mask.


Guestbook/Condolences

I’m the owner of unit 15 Canyon Cove. My son & John became friends while he was staying in my place last year. Our sincerest sorrows for your loss ! He was a great man!


- Trudy Anderson & Jason Lanier

Dearest Family of Uncle John,
I am truly heartbroken that I won't be able to be there for his services and to offer my condolence in person. These sorts of things are important to me, so I will hope to tell you here how much he will be missed. It always seemed to me that he lived his life to the fullest; he never did anything halfway. He lived with intensity and purpose, and accomplished so much because of his strong work ethic and "can do" attitude. I will also remember his keen wit, that twinkle in his eye, and his desire to help others be their best. He worked hard and played hard too. 😁 There is much to be learned from his example of a life well lived. May he rest in peace. Until we meet again- Love you Uncle John! Love, Elizabeth Mari Jefferies Porter and family
p.s. I will come by to visit his final resting place the next time I am in Utah.


- Mari Porter

Our thoughts and prayers will be with you during this time of loss Ruby, Jim, Julie, and Brad and all your families. It's so hard to see someone you love leave this earth life. Yet, with the gospel of Jesus Christ we have great hope of being together as families through out the eternities. John has been an influence for good in many individuals during his life time. His love for people and helping them reach success is a quality to be admired. I heard this quote a few years ago that has given me comfort with a loss in my family. It goes like this, In a beautiful blue lagoon on a clear day, a fine sailing ship spreads its brilliant white canvas in a fresh morning breeze and sails out to the open sea. We watch her glide away magnificently through the deep blue and gradually see her grow smaller and smaller as she nears the horizon. Finally, where the sea and the sky meet she slips silently from sight; and one is heard to say, "There, she is gone." Gone where? Gone from sight..that is all. She is still as large in the mast and hull and sail; still able to bear her load. And we can be sure just as we say, "there she is gone." Another says, "There, she comes."

So as we say good-by to our husband, dear friend, father, grandfather, another is saying "Welcome home."

We love you, we love our memories of John and his family. May that love bring comfort and peace.

Much love,
Gene and Janel Nelson


Gene and Janel Nelson


- Gene and Janel Nelson

To the family of John, I am so sorry for your lost. I haven't know John and his beautiful wife Ruby very long but they have been so kind to me. I moved next door to John and he always brought my garbage can in and always let me know whenpackage I had a delivered. They invited me to sit with them at special events and I will truly miss the kind gentle heart of John. Please rest in peace, you will be missed. Georgia


- Georgia Springer

Enjoyed our friendship with John in Canyon Cove. A very kind and pleasant man. Always so friendly. So glad we were able to know him
Condolences to his family. He will be missed.
Sincerely,
Richard & Maureen Ketchum


- Richard & Maureen Ketchum

I am a pediatrician in Columbus. I did my pediatric residency at Columbus Children's Hospital. I enjoyed seeing the video of Mr. Jeffries on CSPAN-3 today. I am glad I got to hear all the things he did for pediatrics and for his country.. May he rest in peace. Your family has my condolences.
Dennis M. Doody, M.D.
Mobile: 614-949=1388


- Dennis M. Doody, M.D.