Jefferson David Tufts, Jr.
Lovingly known as “Tuffy,” was born on May 18, 1941, in Cleveland, Ohio. He was the eldest of four children born to Jefferson D. Tufts, Sr. and Ruby L. Crosby Tufts.

Tuffy attended the Cleveland Public Schools and graduated from John Hay High School, where he proudly played on both the basketball and football teams. At an early age, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and became a faithful member of Damascus Missionary Baptist Church. Throughout the years, he served the church in many capacities, including as an usher and trustee. He also supported numerous foreign mission projects and coordinated a summer breakfast and lunch program for children in the surrounding church neighborhood. Inspired by his experience as a medic in the United States Army, he also served the church as a nurse.

Shortly after receiving his honorable discharge from the Army, Tuffy began working for Alcoa Aluminum, where he faithfully worked for 33 years before retiring. Known for his strong work ethic, Tuffy rarely held just one job. He obtained his real estate license and worked as a realtor, while also selling life insurance for many years.

In 1968, Tuffy was united in holy matrimony with Esther Cox, and from this union two children were born: Yvette and Jefferson III.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Tuffy entered the world of masonry in 1966 when he joined St. Bartholomew Lodge #67 in Cleveland, Ohio. Over the years, he served in numerous leadership roles, including trustee positions and eventually Worshipful Master. His dedication to the craft extended through his service in the Royal Arch, Knights Templar, Consistory, and the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine.

Tuffy also served as both Junior and Senior Warden of the Most Worshipful Eureka Grand Lodge before being bestowed the distinguished honor of serving as the Honorable Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Eureka Grand Lodge for the State of Ohio, a position he faithfully held for five years. Following his tenure as Grand Master, he continued his service on the National Grand Masters Council. A proud 33rd Degree Mason, Tuffy remained deeply committed to mentoring and supporting his brothers and sisters throughout the organization.

Tuffy had one of the biggest hearts anyone could encounter. The saying “he would give you the shirt off his back” described him perfectly. If helping someone meant going without himself, he did so without hesitation.

He was known for his quick wit and wonderful sense of humor. You could always count on Tuffy to crack a joke and lighten the mood. If he was, as he liked to say, “SIGNIFYIN’” with you, it simply meant that he cared.

Tuffy loved art and enjoyed drawing so much that he once volunteered as an art teacher at Gracemount Elementary School. He also enjoyed a good card game and could spend hours watching old western movies and television reruns.

On March 6, 2026, Tuffy quietly passed away at South Pointe Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jefferson and Ruby Tufts; his siblings, Eleanor Tufts and Lamont Tufts, Sr.; and his beloved son, Jefferson Tufts III.

He leaves to cherish his loving memory: his devoted daughter and son-in-law, Yvette Tufts Smith and Ouimet Smith; his beloved grandson, Kellon Smith, whom he loved more than life itself; his brother, Darrell Tufts; nieces Monica Rawlings (James Jr.), Lyndsay Tufts, and Tiffany DeLoach; nephews Lamont Tufts Jr., Jefferson Tufts IV (Dawn), Richard Cox Jr., Ian Cox, Aunerray Cox, and Marlon Robinson; great-nieces and great-nephews; honorary daughter Felicia Swoope; his dear friend Curtis Williams; and a host of loving family members and friends.