[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 133 (Friday, October 5, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1811-E1812]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO J.C. JEFFRIES OF PINE BLUFF, ARKANSAS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. MIKE ROSS

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 4, 2001

  Mr. ROSS. 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

[[Page E1812]]

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.

                          ____________________