James Gabriel “Gubby” Lee Jefferson, age 21, a resident of Washington passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 21, 2022. He was born in Raleigh, NC on January 18, 2001, to Gregory and Kimberly Jefferson in Raleigh, NC as the youngest of five children.

James “Gubby” was the brightest light in the room. His presence was always felt by those who had the privilege of sharing time and space with him. When you met Gubby you knew you were meeting someone who would one day change the world with his drive to one day emulate his uncle Dwaine and Aunt Rezi and become a diplomat. This drive led him down the path of becoming Senior Class president at Pinecrest High School in Southern Pines, NC. He had the privilege to work with Governor Roy Cooper as a page and also volunteered for several other political campaigns. This encounter with, and words of encouragement from Governor Cooper inspired him to pursue a degree in political science at ECU, where he was a junior.

Gubby enjoyed fishing, exploring, drawing, building things, working out, and considering him time spent on the debate team, he of course loved getting knee-deep in a debate, dissecting all the finer points of the latest political interests. His sister Angelica loved that once he sunk his teeth into a subject, he would devour any and all information on the topic he could find, absorbing it like a sponge. His older brother James Robert loved that he was so proud of all his family. His oldest brother Gregory Trandon loved that Gubby was always smiling and laughing.

Two brothers were left behind to mourn: James Robert Nicolas Jefferson and Gregory Trandon Lee Jefferson; a sister: Angelica Kaylee Marie Jefferson; and his mother and father Kimberly and Gregory Jefferson.

Gubby was preceded in death only months ago by his sister Summer Kayla Renee Jefferson.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday January 29, 2022, Joseph B. Paul Jr. Funeral Service Chapel. No public viewing is scheduled. Following the service, the family will host friends and loved ones for fellowship and remembrances at the funeral home.

Joseph B. Paul Jr. Funeral Service is honored to assist the Jefferson family.