STEELEVILLE – James Dean "Jim" Jeffers, 92, of Steeleville, passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at home in Steeleville.

James was born November 17, 1930, to John and Freda Lipe Jeffers, at home in Randolph County, Illinois. Jim married Zelda June Tope on September 4, 1954 at the Steeleville Baptist Church, Steeleville, Illinois.  Jim was a US Navy Veteran during the Korean Conflict. He was retired from World Color Press in Sparta, having worked over 40 years. Jim was a member of Steeleville Baptist Church in Steeleville; BBK American Legion Post #480, Steeleville, and the Steeleville Sportsman Club.  He was an avid coon and deer hunter.

Jim is survived by his wife, Zelda June of Steeleville; his children, Bruce (Teresa) Jeffers of Sparta, Brian (Nancy) Jeffers of Steeleville, Brad (Doris) Jeffers of Steeleville, Jimmy (Nancy) Jeffers of Steeleville, and Scott Jeffers of Steeleville; grandchildren, Shanna Jeffers, Donnie Cavins, Michelle (Darren) Young, Douglas (Kristina) Jeffers, Jeanette (Tim) Wright, Dustin (Taylor) Jeffers, Teri Lynn (Jimmie) Rice, Cory Jeffers, Brittany (Chris) Jeffers, Kayla (Jonathan) Lively, Megan (Caleb) Ward, Travis (Kelsey) Jeffers; 26 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren; and sisters-in-law, Barbara Heiple, DeFlain Phoenix, and Margie Heiman.

Jim was preceded in death by his Parents; two brothers, Gerald and Bob Jeffers; one great grandson, David Jeffers; brothers-in-law, Gene, Leroy and Bill Tope, Robert Levan, Glenn Heiple, Ervin Phoenix, Elden Bryant, and Ronald Heiman; sisters-in-law, Jewell Levan, Beverly Bryant, Norma Jeffers, Hazel Jeffers, Betty Tope, Marie Tope and Katherine Tope.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, on Friday, March 24, 2023, at Steeleville Baptist Church, Steeleville, Illinois, with Rev. Richard A. Newcom officiating. Burial will follow at Paradise Cemetery, Steeleville. Visitation will be at Steeleville Baptist Church on Thursday from 5 pm until 8 pm, then on Friday from 8 am until 11 am. Memorials may be given to American Diabetes Association.