GEORGE A. JEFFERSON JR.

Former Palmer resident George A. Jefferson Jr. died at his home in Juneau on Oct. 1, 2003. He was 72.

Mr. Jefferson was born July 17, 1931, in Red Bluff, Calif., to George A. and Irene (Caha) Jefferson. He graduated from high school in Corvallis, Ore., in 1949; his degree in agriculture sciences was obtained in 1957 from Oregon State University. While in high school and in college, Mr. Jefferson enjoyed playing football and was very active in 4-H club activities spending a year as an International Farm Youth Exchange student in Uruguay. He came to Alaska in 1957 as an inspector for the Alaska State Division of Agriculture based in Palmer. He was appointed as head of the Agriculture Revolving Loan Division in 1964.

In 1970, Mr. Jefferson moved to Juneau to open the Juno Maid Drive-In Restaurant; additionally, the Black Angus Restaurant was opened in 1980. He most recently operated the Thane Ore House with his eldest son.

Mr. Jefferson loved playing cards and was a renowned and nationally ranked cribbage player. In earlier years, Mr. Jefferson was an avid hunter and outdoorsman.

He is survived by his mother Irene of Monmouth, Ore.; sisters Roseanne (and Bob) Toney of Salem, Ore., and Barbara Jean (and Earl) Gage of Monmouth; daughter Sharon (and John) Mallinger of Auke Bay; sons George H. Jefferson and John Jefferson of Juneau; grandchildren Jacki and John G. Mallinger of Auke Bay; former wives Mary Jefferson of Juneau and Janet Jefferson of San Francisco; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and two half-brothers.

Donations may be made in Mr. Jefferson's name to a charity of the donor's choice. Memorial services will be held in Juneau and will be announced at a later date. The family can be contacted at P.O. Box 211308, Auke Bay AK 99821 and would be grateful to receive written remembrances or photos.