Seal of the United States of America
Congressional RecordPROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 107th CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

House of Representatives

October 5, 2001
 
“Tribute to J.C. Jeffries of Pine Bluff, Arkansas”
STATEMENT FOR THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD
 
Mr. Speaker,

 I wish to recognize the life and achievements of a man who was not only a personal friend, but a friend to his entire community and a respected civic leader in Arkansas, First Ward Alderman J.C. Jeffries.

 J.C. passed away on Sunday, September 30, at the age of 57.  Originally from Grady, Arkansas, J.C. moved to Topeka, Kansas, in high school and joined the Air Force upon graduation.  Four years later, he joined the police department at Topeka and became involved in civic and youth issues.  He returned to Arkansas and settled in Pine Bluff in 1979.  J.C. spent the majority of his life caring for and taking an active role in the Pine Bluff community.

 J.C. always put service above self by trying to make Pine Bluff a better place in which to live.  He was a quiet man who always moved and spoke deliberately and with consideration.  Although J.C. had his own opinions concerning politics or policy, he would always listen to others ideas and concerns.  Under his leadership and non-confrontational guidance, J.C. could bring together many different groups within the community.   I was honored to have him serve on my congressional African American advisory council.

 As a member of the Pine Bluff City Council for 14 years, J.C. truly understood and enjoyed participating in city government.  He had been an alderman since 1987 and was one of Pine Bluff’s first African American city council members.  As chairman of the council’s public works committee, J.C. was dedicated to helping “at risk” youths through city programs.  He fought hard for funding for the city’s summer jobs program and made sure the money was used responsibly.  The Pine Bluff Commission on Children and Youth was established under J.C.’s leadership.

 In addition to his work in City Hall, J.C. also advised members of the Pine Bluff’s academic community.  J.C. worked at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff most recently as a career counselor and held several posts over the past twenty years.  He helped find money to pave UAPB’s streets and get financing for the new state-of-the-art Golden Lions Stadium.

 J.C. was a man of great stature, a distinguished leader who showed compassion for everything he did and everyone he met.   Even on his last day of life he was worrying more about his town’s future than his own health.  His passing is a significant loss not only to his family and friends, but also to the city of Pine Bluff and the people of Arkansas.

 I pay tribute to him for his lifetime of accomplishments, and I am deeply grateful for J.C.’s friendship, his devotion to assisting others, and his commitment to the betterment of his community.  My thoughts and prayers are with his daughters, Jacquelyn, Rhonda, and Felicia, and all his family, friends, and loved ones. 


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