Jeffie (Jeff) Waites Jr. was born in Alabama, one of four children of Jeffie Clyde Waites and Annie Waites.

Jeff's family relocated in the 1940's, making Palm Beach County their new home. Jeff attended Palm Beach High School (The School on the Hill), graduating in 1953.  While attending Palm Beach High, he met Marilyn, who would become his wife of 72 years. Their marriage produced four sons: Steve, Rick, Tim and Mike.

Jeff proudly served in the United States Marine Corp, from 1953 to 1956. After his service in the Marine Corp, Jeff used the skills he learned and worked as a plumber. In 1959 he was given the opportunity to work for the Riviera Beach Police Department, which was the start of a thirty-six-year career in law enforcement.

Jeff was employed with the Riviera Beach Police Department until 1983. He served in various roles with the department, including being a member of the Dive Team and Bomb Squad. He was awarded the Florida Governor's Medal by Claude Kirk. Jeff was instrumental in the introduction of the first K9 units to the department. Jeff distinguished himself and worked his way through the ranks, becoming Inspector (Assistant Chief) and retiring in that position.

After retiring, Jeff briefly worked for the School District of Palm Beach County, assigned as a plain clothes officer to HL Watkins Middle School. Jeff left this position in 1984 to become Chief of Police for the Village of Royal Palm Beach. Jeff valued working with the students and developing relationships with them. During his tenure at Royal Palm Beach, he would be visited by students he had mentored at HL Watkins while they were in high school.

Jeff served the Village of Royal Palm Beach from 1984 to 1996 as Chief of Police. During his tenure, the department continued to grow and he worked with the Village staff and Council to design a new police station and address the future needs of the department.  While Chief, he was a member of the Palm Beach County Chief's Association and served in various roles. Upon his retirement he was appointed a Life Member of the Association.

Jeff was an active member with the Royal Palm Beach Rotaries and other civic organizations. Jeff had strong personal belief in his religious faith and had remained actively involved with the churches he attended.  Jeff had served in roles of Deacon and teacher at churches in Riviera Beach, Lake Park, Royal Palm Beach and Summerfield.

Jeff is survived by his wife of 72 years, Marilyn, his sons, Steve, Rick, Tim, Mike (Denise), seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. His family is forever grateful for his presence in their lives as he was an honorable and loving man. Jeff always put his family first before his own needs.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Law Enforcement Assistance Foundation (LEAF) at Law Enforcement Charity | Law Enforcement Assistance Foundation LEAF | Florida www.leafpbc.org

Visitation will be held from 11am to 1pm with a Funeral Service at 12:30pm Thursday, January 30, 2025 at Boynton Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at 2pm at the South Florida National Cemetery, Lake Worth.