Reverend John Edson Jeffrey

John was born on May 29, 1937, in Akron, Michigan, to Arthur and Martha (Ruby) Jeffrey. He graduated from Akron High School in 1955 and went on to attend Westminster College in Pennsylvania, graduating in 1961. Answering a lifelong call to ministry, he pursued Theological education at the University of Dubuque Seminary in Iowa, where he earned his Master’s degree in 1964.

Reverend Jeffrey devoted his life to serving God and others through pastoral ministry and community service. Over the years, he faithfully served congregations across Michigan, including the Unadilla Presbyterian Church as the pastor; First Presbyterian Church of Saginaw as assistant pastor; First Presbyterian Church of Lansing as associate pastor; Saint Mark’s Presbyterian Church in Dearborn Heights as the pastor; and Countryside Presbyterian Church in Saginaw as the pastor. In later years, he continued his ministry as an interim pastor for Caro Presbyterian Church, Lapeer Presbyterian Church, Novi Community Presbyterian Church, and Brighton First Presbyterian Church. His leadership, compassion, and steady presence left a lasting impact on each congregation he served.

John’s commitment to service extended far beyond the pulpit. In 1972, he founded John’s Cupboard, the original food pantry of the First Presbyterian Church of Lansing, to provide food assistance to members of the local community in need. Following his retirement, he volunteered extensively with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan and helped establish Crossover Outreach, a nonprofit shelter in Flint dedicated to serving individuals and families in need. He also devoted countless hours to building wheelchair ramps and using his handyman skills to assist others. John had a deep love for people and a quiet humility that guided his life of service. His generosity and care for others will be remembered through the many lives he touched.

Outside of his ministry, John enjoyed spending time with family, farming, camping, fishing, making maple syrup, traveling, volunteering, and sports. He was a gifted athlete in high school, playing football, basketball, baseball, and even advanced through several rounds of tryouts for the Detroit Tigers.

John is survived by his children, Brad (Gayle) Jeffrey and Scott (Carol) Jeffrey; his grandchildren, Lauryn (Aaron), Faith (Josh), Nicholaus “Nick” (Miranda), Samantha “Sam” (Patrick), Kathleen, and Jacob; his sister, Noreen (Duane) Robinson; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Saundra Jeffrey, sister, Doris (Leo C. "Pete") Marker, and his brother, Jerald “Jerry” Jeffrey.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, 2300 Lapeer Road, Flint, MI 48503, or Crossover Outreach, 414 West Court Street, Flint, MI 48503.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday, January 31, 2026, followed by the funeral service at noon and a luncheon afterward. Visitation, service, and luncheon will all take place at First Presbyterian Church, 746 S. Saginaw Street, Flint, Michigan. The service will be officiated by Rev. Dr. Paul Ytterock. Interment will take place at Watertown Township Cemetery at a later date.

A livestream of the service will be available through the church website at fpcf.org or on their YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@FPCFLive.

Arrangements are by Brown Funeral Home, 1480 E. Hill Road, Grand Blanc, Michigan 48439.

Location:

First Presbyterian Church, 746 S. Saginaw Street, Flint, Michigan.

Schedule:

10:30AM – 11:00AM Family Viewing

11:00AM – 12:00PM Family and Friends Viewing

12:00PM – 1:00PM Funeral Service

1:00PM – 4:00PM Hors D’oeuvres and Luncheon

Donation Links:

Food Bank of Eastern Michigan

Click Here to Donate https://www.fbem.org/donate/ - Food Bank

Crossover Outreach Shelter

Click Here to Donate https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=WEEGVEH4YGR7L- Crossover Outreach