James Thomas Jefferson

The Life and Times of James T. Jefferson

James Thomas Jefferson was born on February 24th, 1948, in Chicago, IL. He was the third oldest child and only son of Earnestine Wallace and Sammie Lee Jefferson. His parents and four of his sisters, Linda Patrice Jefferson, Shirley Ann Bowers, Annie Jean Hannah, and Diana Jefferson, all preceded him in death.

James graduated from Chicago Vocational High School (CVS) and attended Olive-Harvey Community College. James married Frances L. Merriweather, and they were together for over 20 years, raising three sons and two daughters. In addition to his children, he managed a little league team on the South Side of Chicago, drafting all the neighborhood young boys to play on his team every summer. “He was an inspiration, a spark that started fires.”

His career began when he became a cement mason, working on iconic Chicago high-rise buildings, including the Willis Tower (formally known as the Sears Tower), Prudential Plaza, and more. After the dissolution of his first marriage, James married Larceeda Waller in 1992; and God gifted him with another daughter, British. Once James retired from the cement masons, he entered the political arena; and was elected Trustee of the Village of Dolton, where he served for 16 years, helping the town flourish as the Chair of the Finance Committee. Subsequently, he spent his time working various jobs, supporting his beloved White Sox, and spending quality time with his family.

James was a wonderful husband to Larceeda (Waller) Jefferson, father to six children, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He loved to crack jokes with his rich, deep, distinctive voice. He was a sharp dresser, even when driving down the street for his daily newspaper. He enjoyed keeping up with current events and watching the news on MSNBC throughout the day. James, also known as Jimmy, Mr. JTJ, Papa, Poppie, and Uncle Poppy supported his family and was a man of quiet faith and hard work.

James Thomas Jefferson died on December 20th, 2023, at 1:55 a.m. in Chicago, IL., surrounded by people he loved and who loved him.

He leaves behind his loving wife Larceeda Jefferson, his sister Renee Prentiss, his daughters Kerra Karim (Khalid), Ginerva Jefferson, and Larceeda British Hyrams (Kevin), his sons Adrian Jefferson, Darrellton Jefferson, and Darius Jefferson (Michelle), his grandchildren Khamaree (Viesha) and Khevon (Jennifer) Karim, Jamal, Akilah, and Aman Hyrams, Antwon Jefferson, Jasmine, and Taylor McCarroll, and Christopher and Tiffany Jefferson, plenty of nieces and nephews, one especially close to his heart, Faith Jefferson, several great-grandchildren, and many extended family and friends to cherish his memory.

A Memorial Service for James T. Jefferson

will be held on Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Olen Mortuary 15700 S. Emerald Avenue, Harvey, IL 60426

2:00pm Refreshments with Family

3:00pm Memorial Service

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