Jay Walter Leffert

Born in the Little Company of Mary hospital in Chicago, Illinois on April 15, 1946, Jay went to be with his Savior and Lord on February 22, 2015. Jay was the son of Dale and Viola Leffert. He has one sister, Kathleen, “Midge”, Hunnicutt. Jay graduated from Lyons Township High School in LaGrange, Illinois. Shortly after graduation, he voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he would spend a total of thirty years, 6 years active duty and 24 years as a Reserve in the Security Forces Career field. He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant in 2006. Jay exited his first tour of active duty in 1967, and moved to Orlando, Florida, where he retired from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in 1997, with thirty years of service. Jay served his fellow man with over 48 years in law enforcement, serving under six Florida Sheriffs in Orange, Gulf and Bay Counties, and as a Chief of Police in Port St. Joe, Florida. He attained the rank of Major in Orange County, and was an Inspector with the Bay County Sheriff’s Office upon retirement. Jay also served as an FDLE Accreditation Assessor. He served in a variety of functions, from Sector Commander to SWAT Team Commander to Accreditation Manager to Police Chief. Jay met his wife, Ann Marie O’Donnell, while working as a young Deputy Sheriff. They married in 1969, and had two wonderful daughters, Christy Ann (Williams) and Marney Noelle Leffert. Ann Marie Leffert, his wife of 34 years, died in March, 2003. Ann and Jay shared in the joys of their first grandchild, Faith Andrea Mitchell, daughter of Marney, of Gainesville Florida, before Ann’s passing. Cole David Williams and Macy Ann are the son and daughter of Christy and Dave Williams, of Cumming GA. In May, 2009, Jay married the former Sherida Sanders Crum, and have celebrated their 5th anniversary. They have 10 grandchildren between them.Jay’s three, Cole and Macy Williams, and Faith Andrea Mitchell, plus Sherida’s seven. Sherida’s son Derrick Crum(Kim) of Crawofrdville FL;Christopher, Torie, Ansley and Eli, and her daughter Keisha Cannon(David);(Fairhope AL) Georgeanna, Nola and Bella. Jay graduated from Rollins College, Winter Park, Florida, earning a BS and two Master of Science degrees. He was also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, 185th Session, the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government Senior Management Institute for Police Executives, and FDLE’s Chief Executive Institute. Jay was an adjunct professor at Valencia Community College and University of Central Florida, Orando. Jay also taught various courses at the Orlando/Orange County Criminal Justice Training Center during his career. Jay served his served his community as a Master Mason, a Past Master and Perpetual Member of South Seminole Lodge #364, Casselberry, FL,a member of Scottish Rite (32nd degree), and a Knight Commander, Court of Honor. Jay was also a Shriner. Jay was a joint member of Crawford Lodge #294, Crawfordville, FL. Jay’s community service continued as a Rotarian in both the Apopka and Port St. Joe FL Rotary clubs, being a past President of the Port St. Joe FL Rotary club. Jay was a Paul Harris Fellow. Although christened and confirmed in the Episcopal church, and becoming a member of the church Vestry in Port St. Joe, Jay migrated to the First Baptist Church of Panama City FL., and then Lake Ellen Baptist Church, Crawfordville FL. Jay faithfully served his God, his country, his family and his community throughout his life. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2015 at 12:00 PM at Lake Ellen Baptist Church with military honors and Masonic service at the interment. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Amber Miller and David Conn of Bevis Funeral Home are assisting the family with arrangements (850-926-3333 or www.bevisfh.com).

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Jay Walter Leffert

April 15, 1946 - February 22, 2015