Dr. James Mitchell Jefferson

Dr. James Mitchell Jefferson, 91, of Ignacio CO, born on September 24, 1933, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025 in Durango, CO.

He is survived by his sons: Dan, Tim & Gary Jefferson; Sister Misty R. Jefferson; nephews Robert M. (Teena) Jefferson & Jeffery L. Jefferson; nieces, Robbi (Jefferson) Mann & Tileta Jefferson; Granddaughter's: Lyndsey Jefferson, Christina Jefferson (Justin) Mhley; great-grandchildren: Ryder Hanna, James, Joshua, Lucas & Gaby Mhley. And numerous cousins, great-nephews & great-nieces.

He is preceded in death by his parents: Lee Joe and Jessie Richards Jefferson; wife Ingrid Webster Jefferson; son: Joel Jefferson; brothers: Robert R. Jefferson & Jeffery Lee Jefferson; and nephew: Rick Jefferson.

Jim is a member of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe and lived on the Southern Ute reservation most of his life.

Jim graduated from Ignacio High School and was always involved in all sports activities. After High School he enlisted in the Army where he was stationed in Germany during the Korean War Conflict. After his discharged from service, he returned home and began working in various Southern Ute Tribal programs. Jim had an extensive educational career earning his Bachelors, Masters and his PhD degrees. He loved to do research which took him all over the country.

Jim was one of three founders of the Native American Scared Trees and Places, which he was currently the President of this organization. This organization made awareness and preservation of scared sites and trees. He traveled all over the country teaching and sharing his knowledge of Native American culture. His passion was to make sure that the youth were always involved in different projects

Jim's hobbies included hunting, fishing, farming & ranching, rodeo, traditional dancing and playing basketball with the Southern Ute Braves.