Michael Dale Jeffries, age 68, passed away on September 2, 2023, in Independence MO.

Mike was born on October 24, 1954, in Camdenton, MO, the fifth child of Leland and Matilda Jeffries. Growing up in Osage Beach during the hey-days of budding tourism at Lake of the Ozarks, Mike learned about hard work and developed positive people skills that served him well his entire life. His early jobs included giving tours at Indian Burial Cave, helping his mother at a laundromat, delivering pamphlets to area resorts, and "learning the ropes" of management and showmanship through a 12-year connection to Lee Mace's Ozark Opry.

In Camdenton High School, Mike was active in drama, basketball, golf, and music. He made lifelong friends, graduating in 1972. Mike attended several class reunions and enjoyed reminiscing and laughing at the same stories (often told from different perspectives!) over and over.

After graduation, Mike attended Central Missouri State University and graduated with a BA in Psychology, Sociology, and Music in 1980. At CMSU (now University of Central Missouri), he was active in the United Methodist Wesley Foundation and in plays at the Presbyterian Church. Mike met Chalice at one of Wesley's "getting acquainted" events in the fall of 1974. Chalice noted how Mike was outgoing and confident in leading others and Mike noted that Chalice was from Iowa. During the course of their years at the Wesley Foundation, Mike and Chalice made many special, lifelong friends. At a Wesley book study on relationships and marriage, Mike publicly proclaimed that he was not planning on ever getting married. Chalice decided to take on the challenge, quickly changed his mind, and they married on November 26, 1977.

Mike's career included grocery store management in Cameron and Sweet Springs and working with at-risk youth in Bethany. When Mike followed Chalice to the Warrensburg School District in 1993, he found a niche that he made his own. He took on the challenge of making the forward-thinking WeMET distance learning consortium successful by outfitting studios, coordinating schedules, and providing professional development in the art of teaching students in classrooms miles from the teacher's physical location. Throughout the state, Mike was recognized as a leader in distance learning, helping create the Missouri Distance Learning Association. Distance learning opened many doors for Mike as he took on the role of visionary and implementor for UCM's technology in the classroom. His management and people skills were instrumental in navigating countless committee meetings and the multifaceted politics of higher education. In a true service-oriented philosophy, Mike (known as Mr. Blackboard) patiently and graciously encouraged many UCM professors in the process of creating more engaging online lessons.

Mike was a father and grandfather. He was so proud of his two sons, Paul and Joel. They each have inherited traits from their father that are reassuring and comforting. Paul embodies Mike's gift for music and confidence in leading others. Joel carries Mike's passion for science and technology and treating others with patience and respect. The growing family of grandchildren was a joy for Mike as he took on the role of grandfather. One of his favorite fall tasks was to get out the tractor, gather the fall leaves together into a huge pile, and let his grandchildren jump off the front loader and disappear into the pile.

Throughout his life, Mike was active in the United Methodist Church. He started his United Methodist journey active in MYF at Harper Chapel UMC. At Bethany UMC he shared his passions through drama productions. The past thirty years Mike has been a member of the First United Methodist Church of Warrensburg. He was instrumental in the creation of the church's first contemporary service, worked many hog roasts, and was part of the team that raised funds enabling the church to purchase a handicapped accessible van. He taught the Christian Living Today (CLT) Sunday school class for many years focusing on Biblical history and the application of our faith in today's world. The core of forever-friends he made through FUMC have supported and loved him unconditionally.

Mike and Chalice loved camping in their teardrop camper. Every gas stop included a tour of the camper and listening to others marvel at "how do they get all that in there?" The teardrop allowed Mike and Chalice to camp along the shores of Lake Michigan, as well as camping closer to home. Mike was the keeper of the fire and sous chef to Chalice's cast iron cooking.

Mike and Chalice proudly accomplished their goal of visiting all thirteen presidential libraries. The effort took them from West Branch, Iowa to Austin, Texas; Yorba Linda, California to Boston, Massachusetts. Getting the presidential passport completely stamped was a highlight of their travels together.

Mike is survived by his wife of 45 years, Chalice Jeffries; his children Paul (Sarah) Jeffries and Joel (Liz) Jeffries, and five grandchildren: Olivia, Chloe, Noah, Addie, and Atom. He also is survived by his siblings, Valonia (Dean) Thiemann, Beverly Underwood, Ken (Lisa) Jeffries, Leann (Steve) Esterline; and in-laws, Tom Riekena and Tim (Tami) Riekena, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mike is preceded in death by his parents, Leland and Matilda Jeffries; parent-in-laws, John and Wilma Riekena; sister, Joyce Huffman; brother, Gary Jeffries; and in-laws Richard Huffman, K.C. Underwood, and Sarah Riekena.

A service to honor and celebrate Mike's life will be held on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Warrensburg, with visitation at 1:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Heifer International, Drumm Farm Center for Children, or the Diabetes Research Institute. Contributions can be left in care of Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home.