Kyle Jefferies Obituary

James 'Kyle' Jefferies, 23, died July 5th in Egegik, Alaska. Kyle was working his sixth summer fishing for salmon in Bristol Bay. Kyle moved with his family to Ellensburg from Champaign, Illinois when he was 9, entering Lincoln Elementary School 3rd grade. He was born on March 7th, 1978 in Eugene Oregon. This past year, Kyle was a graduate assistant at Central Washington University in the English Department teaching introductory English classes. He was simultaneously completing a master's degree in English literature and was hoping to write a thesis about Kurt Vonnegut. Kyle was debating a future career in law or as a university teacher.

In the spring of 2000, Kyle graduated from CWU with a BS in English. As part of this program Kyle spent a quarter in England and traveled extensively throughout Europe. Kyle loved the outdoors, especially hiking, camping, and snowboarding. He enjoyed rock and mountain climbing, especially Mt. Stuart. This spring, Kyle snow-shoed up to Mission Ridge from Ellensburg and snowboarded down into Wenatchee.

At Ellensburg High School, Kyle was an outstanding scholar-athlete in football and wrestling, graduating in 1996. He received a scholarship to study and play football at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon. After two years the serene, outdoor beauty of the Kittitas Valley, and a missed circle of close friends, inspired him to transfer to CWU. He loved to read and write, draw, cook, and play keyboard, bass guitar, or drums with local community friends.

Kyle leaves behind his parents Steve and Toni Jefferies, James and Belinda Watters; sister Meredith; brothers Devin and Aleck; grandparents Ann Smith, Dorothy Jefferies, Beverley and Jim Watters, Robert and Wyoma Wagner; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers Donald Smith and Christopher Jefferies. He also leaves behind a fiancée Liz Goronea, and many EHS, CWU, and community friends. His gentle nature and free spirit will be missed by all. Friends may visit Kyle at Steward and Williams Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 10th, 08:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

A celebration of Kyle's life will be held on Tuesday, July 10th, 5:00 p.m. at Reed Park/ American Legion Hall on Craig's Hill. Rather than flowers, in recognition of Kyle's love of the outdoors memorials are suggested to Central Mountain Rescue, c/o Yakima Federal Savings & Loan, 5th & Pine, Ellensburg, Washington  98926.