David Paul Jabs

David Paul Jabs, 69 of Raleigh, NC passed away in the early morning hours on Sunday, June 1st, 2025 after an extended illness. Dave was born on February 29, 1956, one of few leap year babies. He was the youngest of three siblings, born in Milwaukee, WI and spent his early years in the city. When the family moved to the suburb of Brookfield, WI, he developed his love for nature, exploring open fields and vast woodlands.

After graduating from Brookfield East High School he pursued a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He worked for the University of WI Extension School as a Youth Instructor in Natural Sciences for Manitowoc County 4-H. After serving in that role for a few years he continued his education at Benedictine University of Lisle, Illinois where he earned a Master of Science Degree in Management and Organizational Development. For the next 34+ years he launched an impressive, professional career in clinical operations for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry with 20 years experience in clinical development and line management and 14 years pharmaceutical sales and marketing management. He also had extensive experience in early and late phase oncology studies.

Dave enjoyed traveling to interesting places both domestically and internationally. His sister, Donna, will always cherish the memories of two wonderful and adventurous international trips with Dave, one to Costa Rica where they explored various ecosystems like dense tropical rainforests, volcanic peaks and cloud forests, all while searching for colorful, exotic bird species, slept on a beach with nesting sea turtles, woke up to howler monkeys screaming in the forest; and so much more!! Another great adventure with Dave was biking through wine country in France, Germany and everything in between for three weeks with Donna and his son, Dan. There were hostels, wine tasting, museums, beautiful scenery, quiet villages, lots of laughing, great food, getting lost, and so much more!!! It was amazing!

Dave was passionate about sailing and had a boat he loved for years! He enjoyed spending time in the Caribbean and was an excellent scuba diver and underwater photographer.

Dave is survived by his long-time partner, Kellie Blalock; his son, Dan (Kenworthey) Jabs of Urbana, Ill.; his daughter, Crystal Jabs of San Marcos, TX; his sister, Donna (Ron) Zimmerman of Amherst Junction, WI; his nephew Chad (Rachael) Zimmerman of Prairie Village, KS; his nephew Noah (Andrea) Zimmerman of Chapel Hill, NC; and several cousins.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Winfred and Audrey Jabs of Brookfield, WI. and his brother Dennis Jabs of Minneapolis, MN.

A memorial service will be held from 10am-Noon, on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at the Crossroads Fellowship (Milbrook Campus) 2721 E Millbrook Rd, Raleigh, NC 27604.