Francis E. Jeffcott

FRANCIS E. “JEFF” JEFFCOTT, 98, a World War II Navy Veteran and native Floridian, passed away Monday Sept. 26, 2022 at home. Mr. Jeffcott was born on Sept. 14, 1924 in Mulberry, FL, son of the late Brian O. and Marie M. Jeffcott. As a 17-year-old high school senior (when they allowed those with passing grades to enlist and still graduate) with his parents’ permission, he enlisted in the Navy to fight in World War II. He served aboard a Patrol Craft, chasing German subs off the Atlantic coast and in the Caribbean Theater. He was transferred to the destroyer USS Goldsborough, first performing convoy escort across the Atlantic in support of the African Campaign. The ship was initially refitted as a seaplane tender for antisubmarine service in the North Atlantic. She was refitted as an Auxiliary Personnel Destroyer (APD) and assigned to the Pacific Theater to support the invasion of the Japanese held islands, landing Marine Recon Teams and Navy Underwater Demolition Teams, providing covering shore bombardment and convoy escort. The Goldsborough received five battle stars for World War II; Saipan, Tinian, Philippines, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. After the war, Jeff served onboard the destroyer USS Eugene A. Greene, then at various shore facilities faithfully for 20 years before retiring as a Chief Petty Officer and moving to Palm Beach County in 1962. He worked as a material control specialist at RCA and Perry Submarine Builders. He retired in 1982. He believed in service and volunteered his time in many worthwhile causes. Over his life he was an active member of the Roman Catholic Cursillo Movement, Marriage, and Engagement Encounters. His community service included the Fleet Reserve Association, Four Stack APD Veterans, working and supporting many events such as Sunfest, school carnivals at St Francis and St. Clare’s, the Hurricane Balls at Our Lady of Florida Spiritual Center, and manned booths at the South Florida Fair. Well into his 90’s he was an active communicant at St Clare’s Catholic Church, serving as usher and leader in the St. Vincent DePaul Society. He was an active member of the Santa Maria Council #4999 of Knights of Columbus since 1995, achieved the rank of Fourth Degree, served as an officer, and participated on almost all their activities from their drive to serve Special Need Citizens to the numerous work details for social and community events. He was a faithful bingo worker. He received great pleasure sharing the fruits of his everbearing key lime, mango and avocado trees with his friends and neighbors. Throughout his life he traveled with family and friends. He visited multiple European countries, Egypt, Jordon, and China. In his 90’s, he traveled with family members to complete bucket list visits to all 50 United States and castles along the Rhine River in Germany. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, Lois Lenihan Jeffcott, son John E. Jeffcott and granddaughter, Christina N. Jones. He is survived by his devoted children: daughter Mary Ann Jones and husband Richard of Kill Devil Hills, NC, son Robert M. Jeffcott and wife Jeanette of Jupiter, daughter-in-law Dinah Jeffcott of Zephyrhills, grandchildren: Marcus, Jeffrey (Tara), Michael (Katie), Steven, Kate and Travis Jeffcott, Heather Hopkins (Joshua) and Emma Anne Gage, and great grandchildren: Zachary Jones, Nevaeh Cyphers, Eric, Evan and Erin Hopkins and Harper and Eilanna Jeffcott. Visitation will be 3-5 P.M. on Wednesday, Oct 5, 2022 at Taylor & Modeen Funeral Home, 250 Center St., Jupiter, with prayer service at 4:00 P.M. Requiem Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 A.M. Thursday, Oct. 6th at St. Clare Catholic Church, 821 Prosperity Farms Rd, North Palm Beach with Rev. Fr. William D. O'Shea as celebrant. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Hope Rural School 15929 SW 150th St, Indiantown, FL 34956 or South Florida Honor Flights in Mr. Jeffcott's memory.

Francis E. Jeffcott

September 14, 1924 - September 26, 2022