Following the call of the loon, with paddle in hand, John began his final canoe trip after a meaningful life devoted to service, learning, and adventure. He loved to sing, travel, read, eat, talk, and he adored his family.
John was in his 82nd year; loving husband to Sheryn (Ingram) and proud father of David (Andrea McConkey), Kristin (Patrick Henry), Kathryn, and Amy (Darrin Davis). Much-loved grandfather to Bella, Tegan, Ross, Aria, and Sadie. John will be fondly remembered as the master of blueberry pancakes, lover of rock moving, and a man with a keen intellect and large breadth of knowledge.
Born in Hamilton, John spent his early years on Glengrove Ave. in Toronto. He was the eldest of three brothers, Jim and David (Gail), born to Dorothy and Bill (William) Jefferies. The family moved to Cumnock Crescent, Oakville, in 1952. He attended St. Jude’s Anglican Church, where he was a featured boy soprano. John went on to continue exploring and expressing his love of music throughout his life, sharing a deep and meaningful bond with his mother in particular, through their shared love of classical and operatic music.
John went on to study biochemistry at McMaster University, before earning his Medical Degree at Queen’s. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the Wellesley Hospital in Toronto, where he began his career. In search of a position at a hospital closer to cottage country, John moved to Orillia in 1974, where he began a remarkable career serving the community in his professional medical practice for over 40 years. The nights and weekends of emergency and ICU on-call work, in addition to his regular weekly practice, reflected an extraordinary level of commitment for JJ, as he was affectionately known by his colleagues. His brother, Jim, who was ill with schizophrenia for much of his life, was also never far from John’s mind.
With his priorities clearly on display, John built a cottage before he owned a home. His vision of a family getaway close to Algonquin Park became a reality when he purchased a lot on Rabbit Bay, Lake of Bays. His love of Canada’s north was fostered by his father, who took his family camping from an early age. John spent several summers as a camper and staff member at the Taylor Statten Camps, where he developed a love of canoe trips. Even amidst his demanding medical career, John always made time for spring canoe trips with his children, turning these outings into cherished annual rituals of renewal. This love of paddling took John as far north as the Horton River, NWT, and west to Haida Gwaii.
John and Sheryn welcomed four children into their lives who were fortunate to grow up in the Belmoral Drive neighbourhood of Orillia. The family joined St. Paul’s United Church, where John was a dedicated member of the choir until his final year. John was often engaged as a soloist with his fine baritone voice, and he quickly became an enthusiastic member of the Cellar Singers. His love for music extended to the theatre, where he starred as the leading man in numerous Mariposa Arts Theatre musicals at the Orillia Opera House. He was also a dedicated patron of the arts, which saw him regularly travel to see his beloved operas, symphonies, and musicals.
In retirement, his dedication to his community and family remained unwavering. He volunteered for various charitable organizations and planned not one but two benefit concerts for Ukraine. He also took incredible care of his aging mother, Dorothy, into her 104th year, regularly delivering soup, companionship, and support to her in Oakville.
John passed peacefully at home, listening to music, surrounded by his loving family after battling a rare, mantle-cell lymphoma cancer. The family is grateful for the loving care of Dr. Ramy Kamal and the oncology team under Dr. Nay at RVH. He will be remembered as a man who gave all of himself – to his patients, his family, his music, and community. His legacy is one of service, love, and loyalty. His absence will be deeply felt by all who knew him.
