John Michael Jeffreys

Mr. John Michael Jeffreys passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 55 on Monday, March 4, 2024, surrounded by loving family. John was born on Tuesday, November 5, 1968 to the late Barbara Ann Jeffreys and Charles Douglas Jeffreys in Raleigh, North Carolina. John left us much too young.

John is survived by his adoring wife of 16 years, Thaura Denise Bell Jeffreys of Raleigh, NC; his loving sister, Elizabeth Ann Spruill, niece Kirsten June Wind and nephew James Andreas Wind of Kennesaw, GA; sisters Suzanne and Lisa; and brother Mark. In addition to his 12 Bell family in-laws, 3 nieces, 9 nephews, 3 great-nieces and 7 great-nephews.

John Jeffreys was born and raised in Raleigh, NC, and graduated from Sanderson High School. John's love of anything with an engine started very early with lawnmowers, mopeds and cars. As a teenager he drove a school bus in Raleigh. He worked for American Airlines in a number of capacities since 1988. John was a fleet services clerk in Raleigh, Miami and Atlanta. He drove the employee bus at the Raleigh-Durham Airport for a number of years. John got his private pilots license in 1988, and always had dreams of being an airline pilot for American. John realized that dream and started as a pilot for American Eagle Airlines in 2000 based in LGA, upgraded to Captain in 2012 in ORD then MIA, and finally at American Airlines in 2016. John's last base assignment was as an Airbus First Officer in DCA.

The long route John took to his destination is indicative of all the passion, tenacity and dedication he poured into every aspect of his life. He battled Ampullary cancer for 10 years. An unprecedented survival against a rare cancer that never exactly stopped assaulting him. John was told by his oncologist to exercise during his first chemotherapy and decided to start running with the Galloway running group in Raleigh in 2014. That sparked another amazing journey of friendship and survival. With the encouragement and support of all those runners (and his wife) John completed 49 Marathons in 49 states, more than 30 other 5k, 10k and Half Marathons. He also completed multiple triathalons and ultimately an IronMan 70.3 race in Augusta, GA. These were not just achievements for John's body, but also his heart, mind and soul - a fight he was more than willing to wage. John loved encouraging and inspiring others in their running and in their cancer journeys.

John and Thaura shared a full and adventurous life together.

Sharing a deep and committed partnership.

Being well trained by their dogs and cats over the years.

Realizing the dream of both being airline pilots.

Traveling the world together.

Creating a small collection of cars and racing experiences.

Life was good.

Life was short, but packed full.

God bless John Jeffreys.

A visitation and reception was held at Mitchell Funeral Home on March 15, 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial was offered on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Sacred Heart Church at 11:30am, immediately followed by burial at Brier Creek Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers consider a donation to John's fund raising effort with the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. John was planning on running the Boston Marathon this year, which would have been his 50th state. Keeping his eye on that goal through his final days was inspiring. Or to the Monastery of the Blessed Sacrament of Farmington Hills, MI, by using the links below, under 'Donations'.

If you would like to leave a favorite memory / story of John, or a message of condolence for his family, you may do so below, within 'Add a Memory".