Rufus Roys Jeffris Jr.

Rufus Roys Jeffris Jr., who lived life to its fullest and on his own terms, passed away peacefully at home on March 17 surrounded by the love of his family. He was 88. Rufus was born and grew up in Chicago, the son of a prominent banker and the youngest of four siblings, including Paul, Malcolm and Ann. Not a fan of the Windy City’s icy winters, Rufus traveled west where he attended Stanford University, played football and balanced his studies with a healthy social life. After graduating with a degree in history, he served as a pilot in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific. After the Navy, Rufus returned to the Bay Area, where he lived in San Francisco and began what would become a long and successful banking career. More importantly, he met his future wife on a blind date. He and Mary Josephine Davis were wed on March 3, 1962, and welcomed twin sons, Rufus III and Dan, in November 1963. They lived briefly in Carmel, moved to Santa Barbara before settling in Montecito. He and Mary welcomed a third son, Blair, in 1968. Rufus worked in the trust business for Crocker Bank, later moving to Security Pacific and Santa Barbara Bank and Trust before launching a new operation for Northern Trust that he would expand across the Central Coast over several decades. He absolutely loved his work, the people he worked with and his many clients, and was a consummate professional. But he also gave back, serving as an usher and on the vestry at All Saints Episcopal Church. He taught finance classes at Westmont College and served on the boards of the humane society and SB City College Foundation. Rufus loved people, parties and having fun. He saw the best in everyone and brought an indomitably positive spirit to everything he did. He had a sharp wit and often delivered playful but withering zingers. He was also fiercely competitive, especially when it came to playing and betting in backgammon, cards and football against good buddies like Jack Wilson and Rich Whiston. No wonder he crafted his own epitaph: “I like to win.” Rufus treasured his membership and the many friends he made in the Rancheros Pobres, and he rarely missed the Saturday lunchtime meetings at Harry’s. He was a proud member of the Santa Barbara Club, University Club, Tahoe Yacht Club and Birnam Wood, and was recognized by his alma mater, Stanford University, for his work in raising money for the school. An early member of Knowlwood Tennis Club, Rufus brought his competitive drive to the tennis court, infuriating his opponents with a wicked slice shot. And for decades he was a legendary and beloved fixture in the Knowlwood jacuzzi where he would engage in lively debates with Wilson and Jim McClintock. Rufus also spent much time at the family condo in Lake Tahoe, snow skiing with his sons and grandchildren and taking them on boat rides during the summer. He loved his grandchildren dearly and spoiled them with ice cream, candy and just about anything they wanted that their parents denied them. Rufus will be deeply missed. He is survived by his wife, Mary, sons Rufus (Julie), Dan (Beth) and Blair (Kristen), his grandchildren Olivia, Mia, Sydney, Price, Hannah and Isabelle, and many nieces and nephews. A service will be held on June 8 at 1 p.m. at All Saint’s by the Sea Episcopal Church in Montecito.

Rufus Roys Jeffris Jr.

April 4, 1936 - March 17, 2024