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NOKOMIS JEFFERSON Obituary
NOKOMIS LEE JEFFERSON
Born in Newport, Arkansas and raised in Chicago, IL died January 30, 2014 in Washington, DC after a battle with lung cancer. After Junior College, he entered into the Air Force and was stationed in Greenland. He was a former bartender at Mr. Henry's and an erstwhile traveling companion to the late jazz singer, Shirley Horne. He also traveled extensively with his life partner, Jim Vandergraft, who predeceased him and with whom he enjoyed a summer retreat in Rehoboth Beach, DE. He was a fixture in the local gay community and a long- time member of the Brotherhood Highway Men, TNT. He was an Associate Member of Centaur MC Club and wore the badge of zookeeper in the animal kingdom. He was jazz aficionado and loved to watch tennis matches. He is survived by his sister, Loretta Dysart of Chicago; Jim's sister, Mary and her family; his Goddaughters, Rainy and Nicole; nephews, nieces and extended family in Chicago. He had many long-time friends, club members and acquaintances that he cherished daily. A gathering of family and friends will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jeff's name to the GW Katzen Cancer Research Center - (202) 741-2250. Arrangements by McGuire.
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Memories and Condolences
for NOKOMIS JEFFERSON
Eric Gangloff
January 30, 2025
Still remember you with such great fondness and deep friendship. Your leaving us was a great loss
Christopher T White
June 19, 2021
I would like to extend my sympathies to all the friends of Nokomis Jefferson. I did not know him but I administered the disposition of an estate that included the photograph of Nokomis relaxing on a beach at Acapulco in 1966. There is a companion photo on the same beach with both Nokomis and Jim Vandergraft. The photos are part of the George Washington Hill, Jr. Collection now in the Williams-Nichols LGBTQ Archive, Ekstrom Library, University of Louisville.
Christopher T White
June 19, 2021
Eric Gangloff
February 1, 2021
Nokomis I miss you so much and our runs to Philadelphia. Your company made the trips extra special. You are gone but never forgotten brother
Sam Glass Jr.
Samuel Glass
February 14, 2014
Jeff, wherever you are, I really hope you know how much knowing you meant to me, and everyone whose lives you touched at Capitol Video. It wasn't just a store, but a place where, for the most part, I had a sense of belonging. And if I had to name the top three people who influenced me the most during that time, your name goes way up on that list. The last time we spoke, that couple of weeks before the store finally closed for good, I wasn't sure if that would be the last time I would see you, but I sure am glad I did. It truly is the end of an era. You will be sorely missed, but thanks for all you did while you were with us. Love, Sam...
Bernie Pupo
February 9, 2014
Jeff, Sorry we haven't connected in a long time. Now that you and Jim and John and Paul are gone, I have no one to reminisce with about all the good times we had together. An important part of my life has passed with you. Hpoe to see you on the other side. God bless.
Bennett Long
February 9, 2014
Nakomis, you will be missed very dearly by every one who had the honor to meet you. you have been the grandfather of my kids who loved you dearly. can't seem to let them know as of yet. Its going to seem strange not riding with me to the annual retreat as we have since i joined the club. you are surely missed by my family and friends. everyone sends love as you gave it to others. thank you for your mentoring during my title year. thanks for all the kind words you gave to all. Love you and miss you so much. Lorretta thanks everything a sister can do for a brother in need. Love you both very dearly. Thanks to his dearest friends Clyde and David and club members for all you've done to make the transition from being with us until the Lord needed him to be with Him.
February 7, 2014
Nakomis, How I'll miss our furtive chats about the opera during those club nights, and the wonderful laughs we had at ourselves. Rest in peace dear friend. The Lord be with you.
James Clements
February 7, 2014
Nokomis I miss you deeply and will long remember your sweet soul and genuine friendship. You always had a smile for me and we had such nice conversations. You touched so many lives in positive ways that seemed to come without effort. What a terrific example for us all. RIP Hugz forever
Eric Gangloff
February 7, 2014
Nokomis I will miss your gentle spirit and wise counsel.
You were truly a gift to me, all that knew and loved you.
Rick Brown
February 7, 2014
Justin Terry-Smith
February 7, 2014
Nokomis
I will truly miss you. You are a mentor to many of us. The earth truly had gotten a great man and now a heaven has a beautiful angel. RIP my friend. No more pain, but only bliss and peacefulness.
Nokomis' birthday 2010
R. Derrick Thomas
February 7, 2014
We will miss you brother, you represented the best of us and exemplified true brotherhood and love.
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