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Jack Jefferson, age 76, one of Monterey's most revered citizens, a
founding member of the Bidwell House Museum and a highly respected
Senior Partner of the Bill Brockman Real Estate Agency sadly but
peacefully died in his sleep at his home in Monterey on September 1.
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Jack was the son of William Alfred and Bessie Popham Jefferson of
Annapolis, Maryland and was a graduate of Franklin Marshall University.
After serving with The United States Army in Korea, he attended General
Theological Seminary in New York City but elected not to become an
Episcopal Minister. At one point in his career, he was a stockbroker on
Wall Street and later a professional fundraiser with the firm operated
by John and Betty Lee Carlson. Jack was also on the Board of Directors
of Miss Halls School in Pittsfield, for which he was also a fundraiser.
It was the Carlsons who introduced Jack and his partner Bill Brockman to
Monterey. For a time, they lived on Fairview Road before purchasing the
former Eugene Ormandy estate called Fiddletop, so named because another
previous owner of the property was the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
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As real estate partners, Jack and Bill maintained long-lasting
relationships with loyal clients, who became friends. If anyone could
mix business and pleasure while making everyone feel like family, they
did so for the past quarter of a century. As neighbors, they were no
less respected, friends with Edith Wilson, as well as Jack Hargis and
David Brush, the original residents and restorers of The Bidwell House.
Jack and Bill were founding trustees of the Museum. They led the
development of the collection and archives created by Hargis and Brush
at this landmark colonial manse on Art School Road. The Museum and its
property have become an important historical resource open to scholars
and visitors. Jack was committed to the future well-being of this
beautiful property and its continuing development as a center of
education and activities for our region.
To all who knew him, Jack was both charismatic and friendly. His quiet
sense of decency, fairness, understanding and caring kindness were
equalled only by his keen sense of humor. His philosophy in life seemed
to accept what may and "what goes around comes around." And yet, he also
had a wonderful time and enjoyed almost every minute of his life.
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Left and below: Jack enjoying local festivities |
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A Memorial Eucharist Service to honor Jack was held on Saturday,
September 11 at Trinity Church in Lenox. There was standing room only,
as several hundred and more came to where Jack himself weekly took
spiritual sustenance in Holy Communion with his friend Betty Lee (Mack)
Carlson with whom he shared his faith. And all those present were
invited back to Fiddletop for a celebration of his life. What better way
to remember the gracious host and perfect gentleman standing at the
door, as he had annually for the end of Summer outdoor reception there,
reaching out to friends and neighbors, even as he did every day of his
life. When the afternoon sun began to dip toward the hills, some who
were not ready to say goodbye lifted their eyes over the gardens, across
the valleys to linger in the beauty of the moment perhaps associated
with a sense of Jack's spirit.
May he be encompassed by God's eternal love.
A memorial to Jack is being created at the Bidwell House museum. Those
who wish to contribute can send their donations to: Bidwell House
Museum, PO Box 537, Monterey, MA 01245. |
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Article first published in the Bidwell House Museum
Fall 2004 Newsletter |
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