The family of John Jeffries is saddened to announce his passing on April 30, 2024 at the age of 93, in Cobourg, ON.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Caroline.  Also survived by his children Carol (Peter) Briggs,  Jackie (Lloyd) Davies, Kim (Dan) Daigle, John L Jeffries, Joanne Grasso, daughter-in-law Robin Jeffries; thirteen grandchildren (Jeff & Jamie Briggs, Erin Sturzenegger, Drew & Joel Daigle, Adam & Jesse Grasso, Cody & Shannon Jeffries, Leigh & Brett Jeffries, Hailey & Deryn Davies) and 10 great-grandchildren (Jack, Hunter, Landon, Lila, Charlie Jo, Lily, Henry, James, Dawson & Kyson)

John was predeceased by his parents Dr. Drew 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, on 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.

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.