Le Roy Henry Jeffers

On December 11, 2014, LeRoy Henry Jeffers died peacefully in his sleep. This occurred after a yearlong battle with an inoperable brain tumor. LeRoy was born on May 19, 1931, in Ozark, Arkansas to Hoyt and Ruth Jeffers. He was the third of four brothers in his family. He moved with his family to Santa Barbara in 1947 and entered Santa Barbara High School as a sophomore. While attending high school he ran track and cross country and graduated with the Class of 1949. After graduation he joined the Marines. For two years he was assigned to the USS Essex as a seagoing Marine during the Korean War. He was extremely proud to serve his country and continued to be a proud Marine for the rest of his life. LeRoy was the embodiment of the motto, "Once a Marine, always a Marine"! In late summer 1953, the USS Essex was in Bremerton, Washington for repairs. LeRoy was picked up by the Navy softball team as a pitcher. With LeRoy pitching they won the 13th Naval District tournament. While there he met the future love of his life who was also serving in the Navy. Her name was Vada "Rusty" Sibert. She saw him playing softball and was intrigued. He noticed her in the stands and was interested. Three months later they were married and on November 22, 2014, they celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. In 1954 LeRoy and Rusty returned to Santa Barbara to begin their lives here. LeRoy first worked for Safeway. Shortly after that Jimmy Pete Jordano offered him a job because he recognized LeRoy's potential as an employee and because he knew that LeRoy would definitely help them to have a winning softball team. In 1968, LeRoy left Jordano's to fulfill a lifetime dream of owning his own store and opened the Hi-Lo Market in Carpinteria with his partner Charlie Cantello. He sold the Hi-Lo Market in 1973 and went to work for General Foods as a salesman. LeRoy worked for them for 18 years until his retirement. After his retirement he became very involved in the many programs that he was already volunteering with. LeRoy had been a member of the Elks since the late 1960's. He also worked with a group of families in the early 1970's in the Goleta area to start a softball program for girls ages 8 - 14. He started a pitching clinic on Saturday mornings at San Marcos High School as well as on the field at team practices. Over the years some excellent pitchers were developed due to these early efforts. LeRoy spent 25 years in various capacities with the Goleta Valley Girls Softball Association serving as President and League Coordinator. He also spent several years umpiring in tournaments and league games. LeRoy's involvement with the Elks was something he took great pride and enjoyment in. So much so, that his wife fondly called it his "second home". In 1998, he became involved with the Elks Hoop Shoot program. They had much success in the District and State competitions. Along with the sports programs for kids that LeRoy worked on and loved doing he also served the Elks in many other ways. He was in charge of the weekly bingo games in which all proceeds go to charities that the Elks support. LeRoy worked on the Elks firewood sales program, the traveling BBQ, served the salad bar at weekly meetings, and picked up trash with the Elks on Hwy. 154. He also served a period time as their chaplain. LeRoy won numerous Elks awards including Top Elk of the Year for 2010 - 2011. He was also involved with his church and volunteered to mow the lawn there for many years. Sports have always been a big part of LeRoy's life. In 2005, at the age of 74, he started playing horseshoes for the first time. In his usual way he went after the sport with total commitment and his natural aptitude toward athletics. So much so, that one year later on Oct. 8, 2006, with his son Steve watching, he won 1st place in the Elders Class for California State. LeRoy Jeffers was a very special man who was devoted to his wife and his family. He was involved in his community, someone you could always count on. We always knew that he would be there for us. LeRoy you are much loved and will be greatly missed. Leroy was predeceased by his brothers Finis, Hoyt, and Richard Jeffers. He was also predeceased by his grandsons Ryan Lee Jeffers and Christopher William Ellis Zahuta. He is survived by his adoring and loving wife of 61 years, Vada "Rusty" Jeffers. He is also survived by his children Steve (Christie) Jeffers, Lynda, and Karen Jeffers, 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held January 17th, 2015, 11 a.m. at Santa Barbara Community Church, 1002 Cieneguitas Rd., Santa Barbara, CA. There will be a reception immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations please be made to the Wounded Warriors Program at helpwwp.org or call 877-768-6807

Le Roy Henry Jeffers

May 19, 1931 - December 11, 2014