St. Michael's Catholic Church
379 Division St., Cobourg
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The family of John Drew Jeffries is saddened to announce his passing on April 30, 2024 at the age of 93, at Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre, Cobourg, ON. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Caroline Jeffries. Also survived by his children Carol (Peter) Briggs, Cobourg; Jackie (Lloyd) Davies, Nanaimo, BC; Kim (Daniel) Daigle, Cobourg; John L Jeffries, Cochenour, ON; Joanne Grasso, Cambridge, ON; daughter-in-law Robin Jeffries, Cochenour, ON; thirteen grandchildren (Jeff Briggs, Jamie Briggs, Erin Sturzenegger, Drew Daigle, Joel Daigle, Cody Jeffries, Shannon Sawchuk, Jesse Grasso, Adam Grasso, Leigh Jeffries, Brett Jeffries, Hailey Davies, Deryn Davies) and 10 great-grandchildren (Jack & Hunter Daigle, Landon & Lila Sturzenegger, Charlie Jo & Lily Jeffries, Henry & James Daigle, Dawson & Kyson Sawchuk)
John was predeceased by his parents Dr. Drew P. Jeffries and Marjorie McLeod, his sisters Janice Perry and Mary Jane Curry; his son James Konrad (Jim) Jeffries, son in law Cosmo Grasso and daughter in law Tracy Jeffries.
John was born and raised in Sioux Lookout, ON. After graduating from Michigan Tech, as a Mining Engineer, he and Caroline moved to Cochenour, where he worked his way up through the Engineering ranks until he became Manager of Cochenour Willans Gold Mine. From there he advanced to the Mine Manager position at the Griffith Mine, Ear Falls, ON and General Manager of Hibbing Taconite, Hibbing, MN.
During these years John was active in the community, with involvement in the building of the Cochenour arena, Chairman of the High School Board, Chair and Board Member of Margaret Cochenour Memorial Hospital (Cochenour). He was active in C.I.M., Gyro and St. Francis Xavier Church.
In retirement John had time to pursue a love of woodworking and specifically wood turning. He built a cedar strip kayak with his son Jim, turned many bowls from burls, and loved coming up with ideas for wooden toys, cradles and dollhouses for his grand and great-grandchildren. He was always keen to assist with building projects for family, friends or the church. When the decision was made to relocate to southern Ontario, John had access to a shop that allowed him to pursue his love of woodworking and in particular woodturning, well into his 80’s.
John loved Red Lake and time spent on or near the water. Fishing and boating were his rewards after a long day of work. He often referred to the area as ‘God’s Country’. His last trip to Red Lake was in the summer of 2019. Once travelling north no longer became an option, he lived that part of his life vicariously through the fishing stories and photographs provided by son John, as well as the RL grand/great grandchildren.
A family mass in remembrance of John will be held in Cobourg at 10:00AM on Monday, May 13, 2024 at St. Michael the Archangel Church. A northern “Celebration of Life” will be held at a later date. The family is immensely grateful for the compassionate and loving care received from Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre, Dr. Mark Essak, Dr. Paul Caldwell, Palisade Gardens staff and staff at Roseglen Village for Seniors, all of whom helped dad make the most of his increasing challenges.
If friends would like to make a memorial donation in honour of John, please consider donating to: Ed’s House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre, Cobourg, ON, Red Lake Margaret Cochenour Hospital Foundation, Red Lake, ON or a charity of your choice
Im sorry to hear of your loss . He was a very kind man. My sincerest condolences to the entire Jeffrie Family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Ed's House Northumberland Hospice Care Centre
So sorry to hear of his passing. He was a good and honourable soul. My condolences to the family. Sincere Fosco Facca
Sending my heartfelt condolences to the entire Jeffries Family. Many fond memories of Mr. Jeffries and the entire Jeffries family growing up in Cochenour. Eric Armstrong
Carol and family, we are so sorry to hear of Johns Passing. We will be keeping your family in our thoughts. Jenna
Carol, Kim, Caroline and family, I am sorry to hear of John's passing. May your many happy memories be a comfort. Beth Brook
My sincere condolences to the Jeffries family for your loss.
My sincere condolences to John’s family! He most certainly was a community minded individual.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Red Lake Margaret Cochenour Hospital
Dear Carol; It is so easy to see where your kindnesses and caring come from. You had an excellent example before you in your father John. He had a wonderful and very full life of great joy for which you now can reflect on as consolation in his passing. May the peace of Christ be with your entire family at this time.
Kim and Dan, and for that matter to his remaining family. My condolences to you all. Peter
Dear Auntie Caroline and family, I was saddened to hear of Uncle John’s passing. I spent sometime reminiscing about family times shared and smiling to myself at memories. Tomorrow when we sit for our family supper together, salad will be served as usual in a bowl that he turned. It always makes me smile to know that it brings family to the table, those of us present and those in our hearts. My thoughts, prayers and love are with you all, Laurie “We never lose our loved ones. They accompany us; they don’t disappear from our lives. We are merely in different rooms.” – Paulo Coelho, Aleph
My condolences to Caroline and all of John’s large family. My mother was John’s older sister, Janice (Jeffries) Perry. As two large families we would meet occasionally in the summers and got to know each other a bit as kids. John gave my brother Daryl and I summer jobs at Griffith Mine about 1970 and those experiences helped shape us. John would visit our mother in Winnipeg during her declining health and attended her funeral in 2015 where he was very kind to our extended family. We remember John with fondness.
Kim, Dan, Joel, Drew, Carol, Peter and family, We are sad to learn that you have had a significant loss in your family. We wish you all the best at this time of grieving your father and grandfather. Thinking of you all.
Thoughts and Prayers are with you at this time.
Carol, Peter, Jeff, Erin & Jamie, Kim & Dan and all family, My heart goes out to you all on the loss of your father & grandfather. I know how much he was loved. Wishing you peace and love, Theresa
Our sympathy to all the family. We’re thinking of you at this time of sadness. Hugs, Nick and Brenda
Carol, Peter and family. Our thoughts are with you at this time. Margo & Bob
You have my sorrows .
To Kim and family. We were sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time . Wendy and Rick
Carol, Kim and your entire family. We were saddened to hear of your father's passing. We know your parents have had challenges the past few years, but you were so good at meeting all of their needs. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers through these difficult days.
Sending love and heartfelt condolences to your family.”The spirit never dies” Love Cathy and Boyd❤️
Carol, Peter & family sending our sincere condolences on the passing of Dad & Grandpa. Treasure your memories! Eric & Carol Buttar