Springfield, IL – Jack D. Tefft, 93, of Springfield died Thursday, July 28, 2022 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.

Jack was born on November 13, 1928, the son of Milo Elmer and Tressie DeVerne (Ross) Tefft. He married Beverly Jean Brown in 1950; she preceded him in death in 1988.

Together they had two children, Bruce Dean (Nina) Tefft of Harpers Ferry, WV and Lucinda L. (Cindy, husband Jim) Davis of Pleasant Plains, IL, all of whom survive.

Jack's younger brother, Robert Ross Tefft preceded him in death in 2014.

Jack was the proud grandfather of Jay (Aruya) Davis of Norfolk, VA; Sara Davis of Pleasant Plains, IL and Todd (Lauren) Davis of Forsyth, IL. He adored his great-grandchildren, Ella, Everly and Lyla Rose Davis of Forsyth.

Aviation was a lifelong interest for Jack. His first lesson was in July 1944 in a Taylorcraft Model D, which was also the first time he had ever ridden in an airplane. He had to wait until November 1944 to be 16 years old before he could fly solo. He obtained his mechanical engineering degree from Colorado State University in 1950. This degree coupled with four years of electronic experience in the military, landed him several interesting and challenging jobs in Colorado. He spent 30 years with the National Center of Atmospheric Research in Boulder, retiring from research work in 1989. Although traditionally retired, he did not stop working, creating, building, thinking and planning.

Jack's secret to a long and happy life seemed to be his never-ending passion for learning and finding the beauty and positives in all things. Well-read and well-traveled, he enjoyed teaching others and sharing his experiences. He stayed active by participating in community service clubs, woodcarving, designing and fabricating leather journals and sketching. At age 69, he began trombone lessons and joined a local concert band in Fort Collins, CO.

After his relocation to Springfield, IL in 2015, he was fortunate to meet the second love of his life, Mary Ann Adden, who survives. She shared his joy in sitting down to an excellent meal with loved ones and having a good conversation. They were doing exactly that on Sunday, a few days before he departed this earth.

Per Jack's wishes, cremation rites will be accorded and private services will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Sparc, 232 Bruns Lane, Springfield, IL 62702.