Thomas Alan Jeffries (80), of Bargersville, Indiana entered the loving arms of Jesus while surrounded by his family on July 16, 2026.

Thomas (Tom) was born to James and Virginia (Nelson) Jeffries in Crawfordsville, Indiana on December 11, 1945.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Virgina Jeffries; niece, Heather DeLong; brother, Jack Jeffries; sister, Jill Melvin; and many beloved aunts and uncles.

Tom is survived by his loving wife, Carol; children: Joanna Bloss, Patricia Stucke, David (Gretchen) Jeffries, Lisa (Chris) Franklin; sister, Cindy (Jerry) Calandrilla; grandchildren: Kayley, John (Generve), Taylor (fiancé Jay), Michael (Isabelle), Reagan, Ellen (fiancé Zac), Carter, Jonathan, Eli, Evan, Emma; great-grandchildren: Josiah, Olivia, Lyla, Ingrid, Lucy; and many beloved extended family members.

Tom graduated from Roachdale High School in 1963 and earned his degree in Preaching Ministry from Lincoln Christian College in 1968.

On July 15, 1962 while at Hanging Rock Christian Camp, Tom met and later fell in love with a shy camper named Carol Jackson. Somehow Carol knew that life with Tom would be an adventure and she happily signed up for the challenge. The two were married in Jamestown, Indiana on June 5, 1965.

As a child, Tom loved building plastic model airplanes and dreamed of being a pilot. As he served in his first vocation as a preacher, he simultaneously pursued his dream to be a pilot, obtaining his private pilot’s license in 1972.

In 1986, he transitioned from full-time minister to full-time pilot and began his career in aviation, working for Continental Airlines until his retirement in 2005.

In 1994, while Tom continued to work in the airlines, he and Carol began mission work in Tegucigalpa, Honduras where they helped establish a medical and eye clinic that continues to thrive today.

When the mandatory retirement age for the airlines came in 2005, Tom made it very clear to all that he was not ready for retirement, so in 2011 he founded a flight school. He built Jeff Air Pilot Services from the “ground up” and soon came to co-own the business with his son David.

Throughout his adventurous life, Tom’s faith in Jesus was a constant. His greatest desire was for everyone to know the hope and future we have in Christ. He leaves an incredible legacy of faith, laughter and resilience and we will miss him dearly.

The family would like to say a special thank you to Sandie Kritenbrink and Durbin & Wendi Seidel who helped us navigate this difficult time, as well as the many family, friends and neighbors who ministered to us in his last days. We are blessed by each of you. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to His Eyes hiseyeshonduras.com . A memorial service will be held at a later date.