Terrel W. "Jeff" Jeffery
November 5, 1940 – April 4, 2020

Terrel W. "Jeff" Jeffery, 79, of Coalinga, beloved husband, father, teacher and mentor, passed away on April 4, 2020. Jeff as he was known by all was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania on November 5, 1940. He graduated high school in Coalinga and then attended Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Husbandry and his master's degree in Agriculture Education. He then received his teaching and administrative credentials. Jeff started his more than 44 year teaching career in Healdsburg, CA teaching agriculture, metals, auto and was a football coach. In 1972 he started his long and extraordinary career at Santa Maria High School where he built a welding, agricultural mechanics, farm machinery, ROP and FFA program
that was considered one of the best in the state. He was so proud of his students who worked so hard to achieve numerous California State FFA Judging Championships and went on to compete at the national level. He also helped many FFA students attain their American Farmer Degrees. He was also proud of his own various teaching accolades through the years. Jeff was a beloved FFA advisor, mentor and friend to so many students through his long 24 years at Santa Maria High. He always believed in his students, that they could achieve anything they set their mind to and was there to encourage them to strive for their best. Jeff was not done after retirement but went on to fulfill a dream for a Ph.D. in Education at Colorado State University where he continued his mentoring with student teachers. Throughout his career Jeff served as a teacher trainer with student teachers from UC Davis, Cal Poly and Colorado State. Those who knew Jeff knew that he had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. Jeff loved motorcycling, fishing and camping in the Sierras. Jeff is survived by his longtime love of 38 wonderful years, Karen "Kc" Jeffery, sons Jeff Jeffery, Jason Jeffery and his sister Laura Ames of Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents Laura and Harold Jeffery and brother Richard Jeffery. There will be no services per his wishes. Donations can be made to the California FFA Foundation and National FFA Foundation.