Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1957
DIED
2023
Jeffrey Hubbard Obituary
Jeffrey Lee Hubbard, age 66, left his home on earth August 2, 2023 while at VITAS Hospice House in Lecanto, Florida.
Jeff was born on February 26, 1957 to the late Leroy and Betty Hubbard in Midland, Michigan. He graduated from Meridian High School in Sanford, Michigan and went onto pursue his passion for aviation at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City, Michigan.
After graduating, he flew for Chrysler Corporation, then Kalitta Air and was in the first class of pilots when Jet Blue (NewAir) became an airline in 1999. He sat on or near the number one seniority , flew in the Captain's seat for over 20 years and retired in 2022. His career took him all over the world and when he wasn't flying for his job, he flew gliders and RC airplanes.
He loved to travel in his RV with his wife Sonja and their dogs and they enjoyed many adventures with friends and family. Jeff planned every detail along the way, always the Captain. When his illness hit, he fought it with his entire being. He and Sonja had help and advice from close friends who encouraged and prayed with them daily. They always looked ahead to what might help him next.
Jeff leaves behind his loving wife, Sonja Hubbard, three children: Mindy(Brian) Worsley, Kelli Paisley, Ryan Hubbard, six grandchildren and one great grandchild. He also leaves behind two siblings; Rodney(Mary) Hubbard and Linda(John) Bush and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on November 4, 2023 at 10 am at Seven Rivers Church, 4421 W. Gulf to Lake Hwy, Lecanto, FL 34461. Donations can be made in his honor to VITAS Hospice House, 3350 W. Audubon Path, Lecanto, FL 34461 or Seven Rivers Church.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jeffrey Hubbard
Maurice Thornton
April 16, 2025
Jeff my brother I will miss you thank you for flying me safely through the friendly skies and always being calm and funny as hell especially when we talked on water head ( an inside joke) brother rest easy your fight is over and you will never be forgotten. Love always brother. Maurice Thornton/ Former inflight
Carrie ethier
November 27, 2023
My deepest condolences for the loss of Capt. Hubbard. I just learned of his passing. In my almost 20 years at JetBlue we had flown together several times. I remember him for being very pleasant and professional. He was very sweet and had a great way with the crew. Fly high, captain. Rest in peace eternally.
Rick Metler
August 27, 2023
My condolences to Sonja, Mindy, Kelli, Ryan, and the rest of Jeff's family! I have such great memories on so many occasions with Jeff. You will be missed my friend!
Esther O'Dell
August 23, 2023
So sorry to hear this news. God bless all of his family and give you peace.
Esther O'Dell
August 23, 2023
So sorry to hear this he is way too young to leave his family. May God give you all peace and love.
Barbara Marziotto
August 23, 2023
Heartbroken to hear about Jeff. We were in class together at JetBlue
He was such a class act. My prayers are with you Sonja
John Susalla
August 20, 2023
Saddened to hear the news on Jeff´s passing... Condolences to all his family. It´s never good to hear of a life being taken at still such a young age, especially when it´s a classmate and long-lost friend.
Jeff - As you "... slipped the surly bonds of earth. And dance the skies..." on your final flight, watch over your family. Try and keep an extra few of us in your cross-check too...
I thank you for helping nurture the dream of an aviation career and the opportunities a lucky few get to experience. I enjoyed the handful of flights we had together out of MBS. They will always be remembered. That, and our time together at Meridian as members of the Class of 75!
RIP brother, RIP.
Kirk Dundas
August 17, 2023
I was good friends with Jeff in high school, but we lost touch. Didn´t realize that he lived so close to where we spend our winters in Florida. He took me for a few airplane rides which were quite interesting. My condolences to the family.
Vickie Jines Stephen
August 17, 2023
Thinking about our time in school and the good old times. Was one nice guy. Condolences to his family.
Meridian class of 1975
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in Jeffrey Hubbard's name
Memorial Events
for Jeffrey Hubbard
How to support Jeffrey's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Jeffrey Hubbard's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
