Obituary of James Jefferson Cross III

James Jefferson Cross, III, 76, of Reston, Virginia, passed away peacefully at home on December 18, 2023 with family by his side.

 

Jeff was born in New York, New York, to James and Constance Cross on May 19, 1947. After graduating from Christchurch School in 1966, where he was a record-breaking sprinter and Olympic prospect on the track team, he attended William & Mary on a track scholarship. He graduated from American University in 1978 with a degree in history. During a tropical storm in Deltaville, Virginia, Jeff fell in love with Laura Montague, and they were married on October 23, 1978, at Ware Episcopal Church.  

 

Revered for his sense of humor and devotion to his family, Jeff often regaled loved ones with harrowing tales of near death from his youth. As a child, a chipmunk bit him, so he had to get the rabies vaccine (which he was allergic to); hundreds of bees stung him (which he was allergic to); lightning struck him (it knocked him down); he contracted polio (it was a mild case); he brought home a live grenade (nothing happened), and more.

 

A well respected business owner, Jeff started the Chessie Group, a settlement company, in 1991. Nearly every member of his wife’s extended family worked at the company as well as his children and their friends. He retired in 2017 to care for his late mother and enjoyed going to the river in Deltaville to fish, boat, birdwatch, play bridge, and spend time with family. 

 

Jeff is survived by his wife Laura; children Fred (Kristen), Katie (Donnie), and Laura; grandchildren Cameron, James, Lila, and Lucas; and siblings Cissy Hutton and Pete Cross. He is preceded in death by his brother Fred Cross, who died in 1970 while serving in Vietnam.

 

A celebration of life and reception will be held at 12:30 PM on Saturday, January 6, at the Cross family home, 12218 Quorn Ln, Reston, Va. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. In remembrance of Jeff’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Capital Caring Health or the charity of your choice.