Ron Jeffries, co-founder of Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales and one of the original signatories of the Agile Manifesto, passed away on October 1, 2024 at the age of 84. Learn about his life, legacy, and cause of death.
It is with heavy hearts that we remember Ron Jeffries, a loving husband and father, who touched the lives of many with his passion and creativity. The co-founder of Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales and one of the original authors of the Agile Manifesto passed away on October 1, 2024 at the age of 84. The Ron Jeffries death announcement has left the software development and craft beer communities mourning the loss of a visionary leader.
Early Life and Career
Ron Jeffries was born on December 26, 1939. He earned advanced degrees in Mathematics and Computer and Communication Science before negative integers had been invented, as he liked to joke. Over his long career, Jeffries and his teams built operating systems, compilers, relational database systems, and a wide range of applications in languages like assembler, FORTRAN, Pascal, C, C++, Smalltalk, LISP, and Forth. The software products he worked on generated over half a billion dollars in revenue.
Extreme Programming and Agile Software Development
In 1996, Jeffries became one of the three founders of the Extreme Programming (XP) software development methodology, along with Kent Beck and Ward Cunningham. He served as the on-site XP coach for the very first XP project at Chrysler Comprehensive Compensation System. Jeffries co-authored the book Extreme Programming Installed in 2000 and wrote Extreme Programming Adventures in C#.
As one of the 17 original signatories of the Agile Manifesto in 2001, Ron Jeffries played a key role in defining the values and principles of Agile software development. He was an outspoken advocate for technical excellence and improvement in Agile practices throughout his career. Jeffries maintained the popular website XProgramming.com and continued sharing his wisdom through his blog at RonJeffries.com.
In recent years, Jeffries strongly opposed what he called “artificial Agile” or “Dark Agile” – methods that claimed to be Agile but did not actually improve the lives of developers or adhere to the original Agile philosophy. He emphasized that the essence of Agile was to benefit programmers, improve efficiency, and deliver value. His 2015 book The Nature of Software Development used the analogy of finding the natural path through a lava field to illustrate his perspective on effective software development practices.
Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales
In addition to his contributions to software development, Ron Jeffries left his mark on the craft beer industry as the co-founder of Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales. Jolly Pumpkin is known for its oak-aged sour beers and has gained a devoted following among craft beer enthusiasts since its founding in 2004.
Personal Life and Legacy
Friends described Ron Jeffries as “a cuddly teddy bear who actually lives inside, despite his sometimes rude demeanor”. He was known for his strong personality, technical rigor, powerful expression, and diverse interests. In his spare time, Jeffries enjoyed evaluating technology products, analyzing drone experiences, and sharing recommendations on his blog.
Ron Jeffries’ death has deeply saddened those who knew him and benefited from his work. He is survived by his beloved wife Laurie Jeffries, son Daemon Jeffries, and daughter-in-law Ashley.
The Ron Jeffries obituary and tributes shared by the software development and craft beer communities paint a picture of a brilliant, passionate, and caring man who made a significant impact in his fields. While the Ron Jeffries cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, his legacy will live on through the Agile practices he helped pioneer, the delicious beers crafted by Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, and the countless lives he touched along the way.
As we mourn the Ron Jeffries death, we also celebrate his remarkable life and achievements. His contributions to Extreme Programming, Agile software development, and the craft beer industry will continue to inspire and influence future generations. Rest in peace, Ron Jeffries, and thank you for the indelible mark you left on our world.
FAQs
Who was Ron Jeffries?
Ron Jeffries was the founder of Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, a renowned craft brewery based in Dexter, Michigan. He was a beloved figure in the Michigan brewing community, known for his creativity, passion, and pioneering contributions to the craft beer industry.
What was Ron Jeffries known for?
Ron Jeffries was known for his innovative brewing techniques and his role in establishing Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales as a leading craft brewery. He was a founding member of the Michigan Brewers Guild and played a significant role in shaping the state’s thriving craft beer scene. Jeffries was respected for his dedication to the craft and his willingness to share his knowledge with fellow brewers.
When did Ron Jeffries found Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales?
Ron Jeffries and his wife Laurie founded Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales in 2004. The brewery quickly gained recognition for its unique brewing style and expanded to multiple locations across Michigan, including Dexter, Ann Arbor, and Traverse City.
What awards did Ron Jeffries’ beers win?
Ron Jeffries’ beers have won numerous awards over the years. In 2004, Jolly Pumpkin’s Oro de Calabaza won a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival. Another notable beer, Bam Bière, was named one of the best beers in America by Men’s Journal.
How did Ron Jeffries contribute to the Michigan beer community?
Ron Jeffries was a founding member of the Michigan Brewers Guild and served multiple terms on its board of directors. He was instrumental in the early days of Michigan’s burgeoning craft beer scene and was always willing to help and support fellow brewers. Jeffries’ hard work, passion, and perseverance helped create the Great Beer State.
What was Ron Jeffries’ brewing philosophy?
Ron Jeffries was known for his innovative and creative approach to brewing. He specialized in brewing sour and wild ales using traditional Belgian methods and was a pioneer in this style when most other breweries were focusing on IPAs. Jeffries’ dedication to his craft and his unique brewing philosophy inspired countless brewers across the country.
What was Ron Jeffries’ legacy in the brewing industry?
Ron Jeffries leaves behind a remarkable legacy in the brewing industry. He was an early innovator in the craft beer field and played a crucial role in advancing the industry forward. Jeffries’ passion, creativity, and mentorship inspired countless brewers and beer enthusiasts. His award-winning beers and the success of Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales stand as testaments to his skill and vision.
Did Ron Jeffries collaborate with other breweries?
Yes, Ron Jeffries collaborated with several other breweries throughout his career. In 2009, he co-founded Northern United Brewing Company, which brews and distills for Jolly Pumpkin, North Peak Brewing Company, and Grizzly Peak Brewing Co., among others. These collaborations helped expand Jolly Pumpkin’s reach and influence in the Michigan beer scene.
What did Ron Jeffries do before founding Jolly Pumpkin?
Before founding Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, Ron Jeffries studied brewing science and began his professional brewing career in 1995. He worked as an assistant brewer at Grizzly Peak Brewing Company and later brewed at the former Arena Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids. Jeffries also held a corporate brewing role at Mission Restaurant Group prior to starting Jolly Pumpkin.
How did Ron Jeffries impact other brewers?
Ron Jeffries had a profound impact on many brewers throughout his career. He served as a mentor and inspiration to countless individuals in the industry, generously sharing his knowledge and passion for the craft. Brewers like Mitch Ermatinger of Speciation Artisan Ales have cited Jeffries and Jolly Pumpkin as their biggest influences, crediting them for inspiring their own brewing journeys.
When did Ron Jeffries pass away?
Ron Jeffries passed away in early October 2024, as announced by his son Daemon Jeffries in a Facebook post.
How did Ron Jeffries die?
The exact cause of Ron Jeffries’ death has not been publicly disclosed by his family.
Where did Ron Jeffries die?
Ron Jeffries passed away in Hawaii, where he had recently moved with his wife Laurie to continue pursuing his passion for brewing.
Was Ron Jeffries married?
Yes, Ron Jeffries was married to his wife Laurie Jeffries, with whom he co-founded Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales in 2004.
Did Ron Jeffries have children?
Yes, Ron Jeffries had a son named Daemon Jeffries and a daughter-in-law named Ashley Megan.
What are people saying about Ron Jeffries’ death?
The brewing community has expressed deep sadness and an outpouring of tributes following the news of Ron Jeffries’ passing. Fellow brewers, industry professionals, and beer enthusiasts have shared stories of his impact, generosity, and the indelible mark he left on the craft beer world. Many have highlighted his role as a mentor, his innovative spirit, and his unwavering dedication to his craft.
What was Ron Jeffries’ legacy?
Ron Jeffries leaves behind a legacy of innovation, creativity, and mentorship in the brewing industry. His pioneering work with sour and wild ales, his commitment to pushing boundaries, and his generous spirit have inspired countless brewers and shaped the craft beer landscape. The success of Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales and the thriving Michigan beer scene stand as testaments to his enduring impact.
Are there any memorials planned for Ron Jeffries?
While no specific details have been announced, it is likely that the brewing community will come together to celebrate Ron Jeffries’ life and legacy in the coming weeks and months. Tributes and memorials may be organized by his family, friends, and colleagues in the industry.
How can I pay tribute to Ron Jeffries?
Those wishing to pay tribute to Ron Jeffries can do so by sharing their memories, stories, and the impact he had on their lives and the brewing community. Raising a toast with one of his beloved Jolly Pumpkin beers is another fitting way to honor his memory. Supporting the continued success of Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales and the breweries he influenced is also a meaningful way to celebrate his legacy.
Where can I read more about Ron Jeffries’ life?
To learn more about Ron Jeffries’ life, career, and impact on the brewing industry, you can visit BuiltinWashington.com, which may provide additional information and resources about his background and contributions to the craft beer world.
