Jeffrey E. White

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Howard University

Jeffrey White Obituary

Jeffrey E. White March 19, 1947 - January 11, 2020 San Diego Jeff died of complications from bladder cancer. He attended Howard University (one year) and then University of Illinois (undergrad and grad school). While at Univ. of Illinois, Jeff went to California with a friend on a spring break and fell in love with the West Coast and California. After graduation he moved to California and has lived there ever since until his death. He worked for Kaiser in Oakland and both NAASCO and IDEC in San Diego. He was active in the SAGA ski club and California Men's Gathering. Jeff is survived by brother Jonathan E. White (Gwendolyn) of West Palm Beach, Florida; niece Janice Y. White Taylor (Ronnie) and family of Washington, D.C.; and nephew Jonathan E. White, Jr. (Betty) and family of Clarksburg, Maryland. Immediate family preceding Jeff in death were: mother Florence M.J. White, father James E. White, Sr., and brother James E. White.

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Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Feb. 9, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Jeffrey White

13 Entries

Jonathan White Jr

April 29, 2024

During Christmas, I always looked forward to what my Uncle had sent me. A present wrapped with the comics page of a newspaper was a sure sign of some good times. I enjoyed reading the comics.

Every year I looked forward to the bulletins of his past year, highlighting some of his favorite moments. I enjoyed his adventures with his friends.

We miss you Uncle Jeff, wishing you were still here. Love and peace to you and all who knew you. Thank you all for the wonderful messages here, I know he is smiling. I enjoyed reading them.

Stephanie Sherman

August 23, 2022

I worked with Jeff in the training department at Kaiser Industries in Oakland in the mid 1970´s. Having grown up in white middle class America, he was the first black and gay person I had ever met. I remember vividly the day he told me he was gay (I had NO idea!) after I had asked him to come to my wedding. He came to my office, sat down and said "Stephanie, if I come to your wedding, there is something you should probably know. I´m gay." And my response was, "I´m happy, too." He followed up with, "No, Stephanie, I´m GAY". He then got up and said, "I´ll give you a little time to think about it and I´ll come back later and we can talk about it." Needless to say I was young, very naive and stunned. But, Jeff and I became good friends for many years after that. He visited me in Missouri after I moved there in the early 80´s and I visited him in San Diego in the early 90´s. Then, like so many people in our lives, we lost touch. This week, as I was starting to plan a trip to San Diego, I thought.....maybe I´ll see if I can track Jeff down and plan a reunion.....which is when I discovered that he had died. Sadly, no reunion. But I wanted to say that he was a lovely man and our friendship helped me to see that although we may all be different in so many ways, we are also the same. He is fondly remembered.

Darrell Meeks

April 28, 2020

We met in September 1965, both students at the University of Illinois, Urbana, every moment in his presence was pleasurable, every thought of him was pleasurable he was a very special friend, he will always be a part of me, matter is neither created nor destroyed it only changes the form of energy.

Andy Anderson

April 23, 2020

Jeff was a classmate of mine at Carroll HS. He was always happy and smiling. The last time that I saw him was at our 20th anniversary high school reunion, and I was overwhelmed by his memories of me at Carroll and how interested he was in what had happened to me since our graduation. My prayers are with him.

John Z

April 18, 2020

I attended Carroll HS in DC with Jeff from 1960-64. He was such a joyful person with a great smile and attitude. Many fond memories, sorry to hear of his passing
John Z.

Kathy Allen

March 15, 2020

I worked with Jeff at IDEC for 12 years. He was a hard-working and witty colleague.

Jamie Stockus

March 12, 2020

I met Jeff at the 2019 Stonewall Salon theatre workshop at Diversionary Theatre. He was a fun, funny and kind man, and a good kisser! I am grateful to have been able to spend some happy times with him. This will sound weird but my favorite was accompanying him to chemo, watching him banter with the nurses and being able to have a deep and intimate conversation uninterrupted for several hours. Safe journey, my friend. Jamie Stockus

Dennis Lyon

February 10, 2020

I knew Jeff through SAGA and CMG and he was always a wonderful, smiling, happy person willing to help anyone anytime. Wish I had known about any local memorial gatherings for him so I could've attended to honor his memory. You will be missed, Jeff.

Crista Mathes

February 10, 2020

I worked with Jeff years ago at IDEC and can still remember his smiling face. He was genuinely such a "nice guy" and a pleasure to work with. To his family and friends, may your memories of Jeff bring you peace.

Jim LaCau

February 10, 2020

We'll throw another log on the campfire for you, Jeff.

February 10, 2020

Jeff was an avid outdoorsman and former president of SAGA, the gay men's ski club in San Diego. He was also a member of San Diego Trail Tramps, a gay men's hiking group in San Diego. Jeff was always upbeat and a pleasure to be around. He will be sorely missed, but not forgotten. My condolences to his family and friends. -Jim LaCau, Founder, San Diego Trail Tramps

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