Jeffries, Francis E. 'Jeff' 1930-2025

JEFFRIES, JOHNSON, CHELF, WRIGHT

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 7/25/2026 at 05:45:12

Mr. Francis 'Jeff' Ervin Jeffries, 94, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 27, in Naples, FL.

Francis was born on September 23, 1930, in Osage, Iowa, son of the late Earl and Gustava (Johnson) Jeffries. After his graduation from Osage High School in 1948 he embarked on his career in the United States Armed Forces.

He served in the United States Air Force from 1948 until 1951, when he entered the United States Army, attended Officer Candidate School, and served honorably during the Korean War as an Infantry Platoon Leader. Francis received an honorable discharge at the rank of Second Lieutenant in 1954. In recognition of his service during the Korean War, he received the Bronze Star Medal, the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Defense Service Medal, and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge. Francis also served in the Iowa National Guard and in the Army Standby Reserve until he concluded his Military career at the rank of 1st Lieutenant in 1963.

Francis earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering with high distinction from the University of Iowa where he met and married Rose Marie (Chelf). The couple moved to La Paz, Bolivia in 1958 where he worked in various engineering and management positions at The Bolivian Power Company. During this time, they welcomed two children, Bradley and Roxanne.

Upon his return to the United States, he attended the University of Iowa once again to earn his MBA degree. In 1966 he joined investment management firm Duff & Phelps in Chicago, IL and retired as Chairman and CEO of the company in 1997. In 1998, Francis attended the Osage High School 50th class reunion where he reunited with and married Muriel Joyce (Wright).

Among his many business achievements, he was inducted into the University of Illinois at Chicago Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame. Francis served as board Chairman and Director with multiple companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange until retirement in 2009. Through financial contributions along with considerable time and energy, Francis supported numerous charities providing long-lasting impact to many lives. He was a member of the University of Iowa President’s Club in recognition of his generous support and contributions to The University Foundation, including cancer, glaucoma, and juvenile diabetes research funds. Additionally, Francis and his wife Muriel established a scholarship fund with the Osage Education Foundation to support aspiring college students for years to come.

Francis is survived by his wife of 25 years, Muriel Jeffries; his sister Nancy; his daughter Roxanne; grandchildren Alex, Grant, Clark and his wife Erum, Sterling, and Savannah; stepchildren Douglas, Jeffrey, Richard, William, and James; great-grandchild Elias; and nieces and nephews. Francis was predeceased by his first wife, Rose Marie (d.1993); his brothers, Ernest and Orland; his son, Bradley; his stepchild, Barbara; and lifelong friends known as “The Crew.”

Interment with full military honors will take place at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery.

Jeff brought love and laughter to many lives. He will be deeply missed and always in our hearts.