James Roy Jeffcoat was born October 7, 1918, in Opp, (Friendship Community). He is the son of Julius Claude Jeffcoat and Ruth Breedlove Jeffcoat, both of Opp. In September 1936, he married Armilla Bowden, and they have two children, Anne Waller and James Roy Jeffcoat, Jr.
Roy grew up in Opp, attending the Opp City Schools and the First Methodist Church. His first job was with H. B. Colquett Mercantile Co. and on May 12, 1937, he joined Opp & Micolas Cotton Mills. He served as Purchasing Agent until his retirement February 28, 1986, (49 years).
His record of service and personal involvement spreads across a broad spectrum of community life and beyond.
Roy served four terms (16 years) on the Opp City Council and was Mayor Pro-Tem under two different mayoral administrations. A few of the more notable accomplishments during his term of office include; new school buildings at the high school and middle school; extensive improvements in city recreational facilities; City Hall complex expanded to Doctors Building next to City Hall and Church of Christ building; water and sewer systems improved and lagoon systems installed; first industrial park developed; served on committee that secured initial funding for Lake Frank Jackson; utility Board set up and he was made Chairman; Cable T.V. system was first city-owned system in the U. S.; served on committee to secure land and build trade school; installed the purchase order system to control buying; was appointed first Council Chaplain and formed the Municipal Prayer Group that continues to meet; new library was built and he now serves local library board as Treasurer.
Roy is almost surely best known for his service in two other areas. His name is synonymous with scouting in South Alabama, as it is also with his church. Roy has been actively involved in Boy Scouts for over 25 years. He has served in virtually every position from Cub Master to President of Ala. -Fla. Council and has received awards of the highest level from local to National, including “The Silver Beaver” and “Order of the Arrow”. The local boy scout building bears his name.
Roy has been a faithful member of the First Methodist Church for 60 years. During that time, he has served the full scope of leadership positions. His work in the local church and at the conference level is well known. He has been particularly active in the areas of youth service and presently teaches a class of young adults. He has also been a dedicated lay speaker and serves as District Director of Lay Speaking. His Christian witness demonstrates itself through all his endeavors.
Roy has also been very active in his service to the Regional Alcoholism Council and his work with and for others suffering from this problem has been most noteworthy. He has been an active member of the Lions Club since 1950 and was chosen Lion of the year in 1987. He was a member of the Toastmasters; a lifetime member of the Opp Country Club; a Director of Alabama Electric Cooperative; first President of Citizens for a Better County; Wiregrass Rehabilitation Board, and the Keen-Agers.
Roy Jeffcoat combines a life of moral integrity, civic responsibility, humanitarian interests, and spiritual character. His manner is to work quietly without great ceremony and yet no one can but notice the number of good things that happen in the areas where he serves. Service to others seems to be his watchword. The spirit of service and unceasing effort of men like Roy Jeffcoat have built the spirit of Opp. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988.
