Published: July 24, 2008 01:43 am            

Arnold "Jeff" Jeffcoat

Arnold D. "Jeff" Jeffcoat, 72, of Iola, Wis., and formerly of Palestine, passed away Friday, July 18th, 2008 at Crystal River Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Waupaca. Arnold was born in Blackfoot, Texas on Sept. 25, 1935. He was the son of the late Millard Ray and Lena (Lane) Jeffcoat.

Arnold grew up in Palestine, Texas. He served two years in the Texas National Guard while attending Palestine High School, where he also played varsity football. After graduation in 1954, he served four years in the U.S. Coast Guard. While stationed on the East Coast, he met the lovely Joan Sylvia in New Bedford, Mass., and she became his wife of 50 years. He then spent two years in the reserves. He attended Boston University and graduated from Baylor University with majors in journalism and Radio-TV communications.

During his early career he worked at KWTX-TV in Waco and was a reporter for the New Bedford, Mass. Standard Times. He later was a writer for Coin World and the editor of Gun Week, both based in Sidney, Ohio. While at Gun Week he was invited to the White House to share his expertise on gun legislation. He also became an award-winning trapshooter. In 1974 he was named editor of Numismatic News in Iola, Wis., where he remained for several years. He then published The Jeffcoat Report, a numismatic newsletter.

An avid reader, he had vast knowledge on a variety of subjects. His many interests included football, golf, blackjack, poker, country music and history. He was proud to have celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary, as his parents were married for 71 years. He always remained a Texan at heart.

He is survived by his wife, Joan Jeffcoat, who resides at Crystal River Nursing and Rehab Center; daughter, Pamela Beaster and husband Michael of Sister Bay, Wis.; son, Alan Jeffcoat and wife Heidi of Racine, Wis.; grandchildren, Haley and Abby Jeffcoat. He was preceded in death by four brothers and one sister. A memorial gathering of family and friends will be held at the Holly Funeral Home in Waupaca on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2008 from 1-3 p.m. The Holly Funeral Home, located at 526 S. Main St., Waupaca, Wis., is assisting the family with arrangements. The funeral home may be e-mailed at hollyfuneralhome@charter.net or visited online at www.hollyfuneralhome.com.

        

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