James I. "Jim" Jeffreys

James I. “Jim” Jeffreys, Jr.

Mebane, NC — James I. “Jim” Jeffreys, Jr., 85, of Mebane, passed away at home on Thursday, December 18, 2025, surrounded by his family. Jim was born in Wilmington, NC, to the late James Irving “Pete” Jeffreys, Sr. and Virginia Bishop Jeffreys.

He graduated from New Hanover High School, Class of 1958, earned his Associate of Arts degree from Wilmington College (now UNC-Wilmington) in 1961, and later attended NC State University in Raleigh. For many years, Jim worked at the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant (CP&L, Southport, NC).

Jim was a devoted husband and father who found great joy in caring for his family and spending time together. Working hard to provide for them and sharing in family activities were the moments that mattered the most to him. Jim cared for his wife, B, and his family with unconditional, Christ-like love.

He had a natural talent for carpentry and passed that knowledge along to his sons. Jim and B enjoyed an active church and social life, which led to an ever-growing circle of friends. Whether it was worship, a fundraiser, yardwork at the church, or an evening of dinner and dancing with friends, Jim was always an eager participant.

From 1997 until 2015, Jim and B moved to Mississippi to be near her family and enjoy time with her aging parents. During those years, Jim won the hearts of B’s extended family and made many more friends.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Lakey “B” Jeffreys; sons, James I. “Jeff” Jeffreys III (Alya), Edward Dean Jeffreys, and Adrian Thomas Carroll; daughter, Elizabeth Delana Cheek (Nat); grandchildren, Dean Tyler, Katelyn, Dalen, Elizabeth, Nathan, Yevgeniya, Julia, and Daniel; and great-grandchild, Alina.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025, at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Rt. 70, Haw River, NC 27258. Jim will be returned home to Wilmington for a memorial and interment at Church of the Servant, 4925 Oriole Dr., Wilmington, NC 28403, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either church or to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.mcclurefuneralservice.net.