James Robert Jeffery

James R. Jeffery, known locally and statewide for his legal prowess and his upbeat personality, passed away on Thursday, November 23, 2023.

Recognized as a sharp civil trial litigator, Jim practiced for 55 years with Toledo law firm Spengler, Nathanson, LLC until his retirement in 2020. His keen mind, positive attitude and kindness to others were well known including his mentorship of many young attorneys. All through those years Jim was an avid athlete regularly playing tennis and squash, while tending to his family and adding his expertise to a variety of community initiatives and organizations. He always enjoyed a wide circle of friends and colleagues. In his retirement, he resumed his love of reading.

A proud Buckeye, Jim graduated from The Ohio State University in 1960 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity and served as chapter president, the beginning of his role in various leadership positions that were to emerge over the years. Following graduation, Jim enrolled in the University of Toledo College of Law, completing his Juris Doctor degree.

Jim was active in the legal community and was designated the Distinguished Toledo Attorney by the College of Law in 2004. Active in both the Toledo and Ohio State Bar Associations, Jim was elected president of the Toledo Bar in 1985 and the Ohio State Bar in 1995.

Jim’s love of athletics began at McKinley Elementary School and transferred to winning football years at the former DeVilbiss High School. During Jim’s three years of varsity football, DeVilbiss lost only one game and won city championships 1953-1955. Jim was recognized his senior year as one of four Toledo football players to play in the Ohio North-South All Star game. He was named to the DeVilbiss High School Hall of Fame for his outstanding contribution as an athlete.

He remained active until recently, playing tennis at Inverness and squash at the Toledo Club. As a squash player, he was competitive but fair, winning the Annual Sportsmanship Award and the 2018 “80 years and Older” tournament.

Through the years, Jim served on the Board of Directors, March of Dimes and the Board of Trustees of the Boys and Girls Club, serving as its president in 1985 and honored as an Emeritus Trustee. During that time Jim also was a member of the Sylvania Township Board of Zoning Appeals. An active member of Toledo Rotary, he was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow.

Papa Jim enjoyed all the antics and athletics of his three children and nine grandchildren. Whether serving as a coach or cheering from the sidelines at baseball, football, soccer and basketball games, the track field, or the hockey rink, Jim was a wise and patient counselor. Jim and his wife Kris, married for 57 years, shared in all the exploits, adventures and vacations of a warm and loving family life.

Jim was preceded in death by his daughter, Pamela Jeffery Van Riper on June 12, 2023; parents T. Gordon and Helen Jeffery; sisters Emily Pollard and Ellin Bick (Gerald); nephew John Bick.

Jim is survived by his wife Kristin; son Tom (Andrea); daughter Jill Biggs (Bill); son-in-law Ned Van Riper; grandchildren Brooke Jeffery; Mason, Tyler, Billy and Kenny Biggs; Cole, Jack, Reed and Eden Van Riper; and niece Kim Kamelesky (Bill).

The family extends its gratitude for the care and compassion of the Wolf Creek nursing staff and Toledo Hospital medical team.

The family suggests donations to The Toledo Bar Association Foundation, 311 N. Superior St. Toledo, Ohio 43604 or Hospice of NW Ohio, Sylvania Ebeid Center, 30000 E. River Road, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551; or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, December 7, 2023, from 4 – 8 PM at the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 W. Sylvania Ave., Toledo 43623. A funeral service will be Friday, December 8, 11 AM at Olivet Lutheran Church, 5840 Monroe St. Sylvania, Ohio 43560.