Jeffrey "Jeff" Paul Jankot

Jeffrey (Jeff) Paul Jankot from Ipswich, MA, son of late Joe and Anna Jankot of Putnam CT died peacefully at High Pointe Hospice in Haverhill, MA on January 26, 2024 at the age of 76 after a short illness which he battled heroically to the end.

Jeff is survived by his wife Deborah Crane of Ipswich, MA, his children: Julia Tharp of San Diego and Joshua Jankot of Washington D.C.  His son-in law Paul Tharp, his grandsons Theo and Arzo. His former wife Sheila Jankot, of Westwood, MA,  the mother of his children.  His brother Alan Jankot and his wife Pam of Glastonbury, CT.

Jeff was born on April 3, 1947 in Webster, MA  to Joseph and Anna Jankot. Jeff attended and graduated from Putnam High School in 1965.  Jeff was a Sooner where attended and played golf at the University of Oklahoma before being commissioned into the US Army.  In 1969 Jeffrey completed Army Special Forces Training.  In 1970, as a 2nd Lieutenant in Alpha Company, 3d Battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division,  he led his platoon in Vietnan where he was subsequently wounded in combat leaving him blind.  He was  awarded  The Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Republic Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device.

In 1975 Jeff attained his BA degree from Boston College in Economics, Psychology, and Political Science. He continued his service to his country at the National Labor Relations Board in Boston, where he had a meaningful and productive career as a hearing examiner.  He twice testified at Congressional Hearings advocating for inclusion of veteran tuition benefits as part of the GI bill.  A Life-long aspiration to become a golf champion was realized in 1976 when he won the National Blind Golfers Champion in Nashville, TN,  coached by his longtime childhood friend Bob Bernier.  Jeff was honored at the Putnam High School Wall of Honor celebration in 2021. 

He was a member of the Ipswich VFW Post 1093, the Polish Legion of American Veterans Post 92, the Ipswich AMVETS Post 32 and the American Legion Post 28, Key West, Florida. 

His children remember him as a man with perseverance and determination.  He refused to let his adversity hold him back.  From building a swing set, to splitting firewood, or shoveling snow, planting and tending a large vegetable garden each summer and much more.  He walked to the commuter rail unassisted for 30 years to commute to and from work.  Jeff encouraged and supported his children to pursue their goals. And this was the essence of his life, the husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, father-in- law, uncle, and friend of endless warmth and love.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Morris Funeral Home 45 N Main St #2235, Ipswich, MA 01938  (978) 356-2422 at 10 AM on Saturday February 3, 2024.  Visitation will be after the service from  10:30  to 11:30 AM, all are respectfully invited  In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Jeff's name to:  the Cape Ann Animal Aid  4 Paws Lane  Gloucester, MA  01930.. To send a letter of condolence to Jeff’s family please go to:  MorrisFH.com .

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