Roll Call Tribute

Joe Alan Jefferis, MAJ USAF (Ret) 

February 10, 1933 - November 25, 2024 

Joe passed away peacefully at home on Monday, November 25, 2024, after a valiant battle with prostate cancer. He died the way he lived, with grace and dignity.

Joe is survived by his wife, Farrell, of nearly 64 years; his children Sondra Blair (Randy) and Alan Jefferis; his grandchildren Nicole Tidwell, Natalie Kurosky (Riley), Emily Jefferis, and Alexander Jefferis; his great grandchildren Cadence, Chase and Colt Tidwell, and Wyatt Kurosky; his sisters Carolyn Woosley and Donna Foley (Mike).

Joe graduated from Greenville High School in Ohio in 1951 and went on to attend the University of Michigan. Upon graduating with a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering he entered into the United States Air Force with a rank of Second Lieutenant and graduated from pilot training in 1957. He went on to obtain his master's degree from Texas A & M University in Mechanical Engineering while training pilots to fly on the weekends. He retired from active duty with a rank of Major in November 1976 with over 20 years of service and more than 10,000 hours of flying time. During his years of service he flew many different types of attack and transport aircraft, including numerous combat missions flying the A-26 Douglas Invader with the 609th Special Operations Squadron. His combat service was from October 1968 - September 1969 in Vietnam. His radio call sign of Nimrod was used by all pilots in the 609th Squadron. To date, he has remained active in the River Rats originating back to the 609th Special Operations Squadron call sign Nimrod.

Upon retiring from the Air Force, Joe furthered his education by earning a degree in Computer Science from Wright State University in Ohio. After graduating he remained on staff as a computer science professor. After he left the university he began his computer consulting career with opportunities in Ohio, North Carolina and the Dallas/Fort Worth area, enabling him to retire closer to his grandchildren.

With time on his hands he found many volunteer opportunities with the Carter Blood Bank, where he transported blood to area hospitals, and Tarrant County College where he taught computer classes to the senior community. In addition, he was a Dallas/Fort Worth airport ambassador, guiding new arrivals to fun and interesting places to see and do.

Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, bicycling, golfing and spending time with his family. Family gatherings were important to him, especially Thanksgiving. He enjoyed attending his grandkids' sporting and school events. Joe was very proud of the accomplishments of his family. He loved University of Michigan football! He was a season ticket holder for over 40 years. While living in Ohio he would attend nearly every home game. He would either fly his plane or drive the 4 hours to Michigan. After his move to Texas he would travel to Michigan to attend football games, or sit in his chair wearing his Michigan attire, watching and cheering his team on.

Joe was a long time member of First Presbyterian Church of Grapevine, and an active member in both the men's bible study and adult bible study.

His memory will live on in the hearts of his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all those who knew him. May he rest in peace.

Memorial gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society (www.donate.cancer.org) or Wounded Warrior Project (www.support.woundedwarriorproject.org)