James R. Jefferis, Jr., 81, of New Castle passed away peacefully with his wife and family at his side Monday morning, July 23, 2018, at his residence.

Mr. Jefferis was born April 12, 1937, in New Castle, a son of the late James R. Jefferis, Sr. and Edith (Mayberry) Jefferis. He was a lifelong area resident and attended New Castle High School.

James served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War Era and was stationed in Germany, where he met his beloved wife, Gudrun.

He was employed by J & L Steel, formerly Youngstown Sheet & Tube, where he worked as a pipe cutter until the plants closing in 1986.

An outdoorsman, James loved fishing and hunting with his sons and family. He also enjoyed going out for dinner with his wife at the Eintracht Singing Society, New Castle.  Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with family, particularly his grandchildren who brought him great joy in recent years.

All who knew him will miss his unending kindness, his ability to maintain his sense-of-humor even during the most difficult of times, and his generosity to all.  By quiet example, he demonstrated how to be a good father and live a good life.  Our family will forever be grateful.

Surviving are: his wife of 60 years, the former Gudrun Haag, whom he married April 18, 1958; three sons, James (Jessica) Jefferis, of Daytona Beach, FL., Justin (Linda) Jefferis, of New Castle, and Eric Jefferis, of Rootstown, OH; a sister, Gloria Donaldson, New Castle; three grandchildren, Adrienne, Hanley and Keira Jefferis; a great grandson, Derek Lombardo; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Bill Donaldson.

Calling hours will be 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday (7-26-18) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 111 W. Falls St., New Castle.

In keeping with James' wishes, the funeral service will be private.

Interment: Graceland Cemetery, New Castle.