Charles James Jefferson

Charles (aka Jeff) James Jefferson of Raytown, MO. was born in Little Rock, AR on Feb. 23, 1940 and passed away peacefully on Nov. 17, 2020 at Kansas City Hospice House. In normal Jeff style, he put up one hell of a fight these past 5 years with Alzheimer’s. In mid-October, he had an emergency abdominal aneurysm surgery where he spent nearly 3 weeks in the hospital followed by 2 weeks at KCHH giving every ounce of effort he had until the end. As his son Stefaan said “He is a ‘bleeping’ Warrior”, and that he was!

He was preceded in death by his mother, father, sons; Jeff and Victor, 2 sisters, and 2 brothers.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Patti, 6 children; Shelly, Bruce, Marcy, Walter, Haley, and Stefaan, grandchildren; Amber, Donesha, Larena, Laron, Anitra, Corey, Wavierlee, Tyrell, Taivion, Darrien, Andre, Jessica, Braxton, Laylah, and Milah, siblings, Josie, Peachy, Marijo, Connie, Diane, and Red, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins in K.C. and Little Rock, Arkansas.
He was a proud 33 year retired Sergeant Major in the U.S. Marine Corps. having received a purple heart in Vietnam for being shot in the mouth. Over the years he owned 2 dry cleaners, a dry cleaning equipment company, and a concrete plant Jeffco company. He also served as President of the Main Street Business Association in the 80’s.

Jeff was a “mainstay” on Main Street on 39th & Main where he owned and operated 90 Min. Dry Cleaners for over 30 years. It was often referred to as The Cleaners on Main St. or Mr. J’s Cleaners. It is there he left a legacy of so many valued friends, lots of great conversation with the youth, guidance, and advice whether you asked for it or not, and he never knew a stranger. He instilled hard work and to always be your best. He was often seen wearing his “No Pain No Gain” U.S. Marines t-shirt, and he believed those words to his last breath.

Visitation will be held at Heartland Burial Society 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, MO 64113 from 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on Monday November 23rd, 2020 followed by a memorial service with Military honors at 11:00 am. CHARLES JAMES JEFFERSON LIVE

The family suggests memorial gifts to be designated to The Alzheimer Association at Mayo Clinic. Gifts can be made by phone (1-855-852-8129), online (http://philanthropy.mayoclinic.org/donatemc), or mailed to Mayo Clinic, Dept. of Development 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905. Or Kansas City Hospice House 12000 Wornall Road, K.C, MO. 64145

Due to Covid, masks are mandatory for everyone entering and strict social distancing will be enforced.