Harry Thomas Jeffries

Harry was born in Harrisonburg, VA to Linwood and Effie Mae Jeffries. He was the second of their four children, having an older sister Ramona and two brothers Linwood Jr. and Michael (all pre deceased). Harry’s fathers’ occupation was a typesetter for the newspaper union which led to the family moving 28 times in 10 years. He graduated in 1955 from Howard City High School (Michigan) where he was their star quarterback and a member of the track team.

After graduating at 17, he joined the Navy where he specialized in Aviation Mechanics. He quickly learned that he was claustrophobic and suffered from constant motion sickness. After completing his tour in 1957 he exited the Navy and worked for the City of Jacksonville installing telephone poles. While working for the city he met Patty Sue Mattox and her daughter Missy. They married on January 3, 1958 when Missy was 9 months old; Harry immediately began the adoption process which was finalized on July 31, 1958.

Still longing to serve our country he joined the Army where he continued his work as a helicopter mechanic. His love of helicopters led him to Flight School at Ft. Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield, where he was the oldest recruit in his class but ranked number one at graduation.

After serving 2 tours in Viet Nam, 2 tours in Germany and numerous stateside assignments, he left active duty in 1972 and joined the 111^th Aviation Company of the Florida National Guard as a maintenance officer and test pilot. In 1990 he was activated with the 199^th Medical Company (Air Ambulance) in support of Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield (1^st Gulf War).

Along with being in the National Guard he worked for Seaboard Coastline Railroad as an engineer for several years, all while still yearning to fly full time. This desire led him to work for Rocky Mountain Helicopters in 1979. He was instrumental in bringing the first air ambulance service to Jacksonville, Florida in 1980, known as the Baptist Life Flight program. He retired from Life Flight in 1991 and later that same year he retired from the Florida National Guard with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4, completing a 35-year military service to the United States of America.

To “pay” for his golf habit he worked part time in the cart barn at the Ravines Golf Course until it was sold. He then filled his days watching football, playing golf, fishing, caring for his horses, cats, dogs and being the best father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, one could ever hope for.

Harry is survived by his beloved daughter Missy Bain, granddaughter Mindy Nobles (Will), great grandchildren Ellie and Asher Nobles, in laws Sharon Jeffries, Thelma Jeffries, David Hilton, nieces Ramona, Donna and nephew Scott.

Crevasse's Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Jeffries family.