Michael F. Jeffers, Jr. passed away peacefully on October 17, 2023, in Ponte Vedra, Fl. He was 76 years old. Born on May 13, 1947, to Michael and Margaret (Peg) Jeffers, he was raised in Flourtown, PA and the oldest of 5 children. He was preceded in death by his brother David, brother-in-law William Drayton and his loyal Dachshund Max. Michael is survived by his beloved wife, Georgiana (Kulick); his children, Michael (Kelly), Brian (Bridget), and Elizabeth Reitchel (Paul); his grandchildren, Colin, Kevin, David, Avery, and Hannah; and his siblings, Patricia Devlin (John), Margaret Drayton; sister-in-law, Marie, James (Laura) and Tonya Masington (niece); among his numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews who will miss him dearly.
Michael was a graduate of La Salle College High School in 1965. He received a BS degree in Physics from Drexel University in 1970 and BS & MS degrees in Economics from University of Maryland in 1982 and 1985.
Michael spent the first 40 years of his career supporting the US Navy, first as a Research Physicist at the David Taylor Model Basin, then as a Cost Engineering and Economic Analyst. While he never wore a uniform, he was a fierce patriot and proud to serve his country in a civilian role. He made major contributions to numerous US Navy Submarine and Ship programs many of which are coming online now. After his retirement from the government, he followed trusted colleagues and friends to Technomics, an Arlington based defense consulting firm, where he continued to serve his country until he finally retired “for good” in 2015. His accomplishments at work were widespread and impactful but perhaps more important to him were the relationships he developed with his colleagues, many of whom became cherished lifelong friends.
Outside of work, Michael was an active and engaged father. He was involved in his children’s lives and could often be found at a pool, in a gym or on a field at odd hours coaching or cheering. Outside of sports he happily played the role of tutor, CCD teacher, boss, music teacher, etc. He intended to raise independent, smart, happy and productive children. Michael was extremely proud of his family and bragged about his children’s and grandchildren’s achievements at every opportunity. His office doors and walls were plastered with photos and newspaper clippings of his children and their accomplishments.
Michael had a passion for music. An accomplished trumpet player, he began playing in the La Salle College High School band. He went on to play at Drexel and he would sometimes fill in for the Villanova band. It was through music that he made some of his oldest and dearest friendships AND it was during this time that he met Georgiana. They would fall in love and were married in the fall of 1969 and were married 54 years. After college he continued playing the trumpet and over the years he played at church and with many local community bands and orchestras in a number of community theater musicals. Michael and Georgiana’s love for music trickled down through their children and grandchildren as all of them played instruments at some point. In addition to playing, Michael and Georgiana loved to listen to music of all sorts and had a vast collection of records. Music trumped television in their house and while Michael hated to dance, he would occasionally indulge Georgiana in the living room while listening to records.
In retirement, Michael and Georgiana moved away from the bustle of the Washington, DC Metro area to Bethany Beach, DE where they embraced the role of beach bum for 13 years. During this time, they traveled, hosted old friends, met cherished new friends, and made countless lifelong memories. In 2021 they embarked on a new adventure and moved to Ponte Vedra, FL, to be closer to their grandsons. In Ponte Vedra, Michael and Georgiana discovered a love for croquet and thoroughly enjoyed playing every week with the wonderful friends they made at the Ponte Vedra Croquet Club.
Michael was good at living. He lived a full and rewarding life albeit just a little too short. He will be missed by all that were fortunate enough to join him on his 76 trips around the sun. His next adventure is to play the trumpet in Jimmy Buffett’s heavenly band, where he is sure to be both excellent and eternally content.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to World Central Kitchen, Feeding Northeast Florida, the American Cancer Society, or a local hospice organization. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date.
