Jerry Stubblefield was born on May 23, 1944, in Tupelo, Mississippi. He lived a life rooted in quiet accomplishment, deep capability, and a generous commitment to his community. He was a Methodist by faith and a man of diverse talents who left a lasting mark on the people and places around him, guided by a genuine spirit of service rather than a desire for recognition. From his youth, Jerry possessed a natural athletic talent and a competitive spirit. Attending Itawamba Agricultural High School, he was a standout multi-sport athlete, playing basketball, baseball, and serving as the quarterback for a conference-winning football team. His exceptional skill on the field earned him a signing to play football at the University of Mississippi. Though an unfortunate hand injury ultimately shifted his athletic path, his lifelong love for sports remained a defining thread, and he proudly remained a life member of the Ole Miss M-Club Alumni Association. Jerry possessed an adventurous spirit and a drive to master complex skills. For many years, he took to the skies as a skilled private pilot, earning his instrument rating. His lifelong love for sports also transitioned to the golf course, where he and his close golfing buddy, Ken Hogue, won numerous tournaments together across Mississippi. Additionally, Jerry pursued and successfully achieved a rare, remarkable milestone of playing a round of golf in all fifty states. Jerry brought a sharp mind and structured guidance to his professional life, earning both a business degree in accounting and a degree in civil engineering from Ole Miss. In 1970, he joined JESCO, Inc., beginning a remarkable, lifelong career defined by loyalty and hard work. He started at the ground level as an Estimator and Project Manager, steadily working his way through the ranks over the decades to serve as Vice President and Senior Vice President. Through his proven capability and dedication, he ultimately rose to become President of JESCO, Inc. in 2001. His professional expertise was widely recognized, and he held credentials as a Licensed General Contractor across multiple states, including Mississippi, Florida, Louisiana, Nevada, North Carolina, South Carolina, and West Virginia. His extensive leadership was vital to the regional community; he served as a director for a community bank, the President of the Itawamba County Development Council (ICDC), and a respected voice on numerous civic boards. This included serving as a former president of the Rotary Club of Tupelo, where he was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. Beyond his professional achievements, Jerry was known far and wide as the area’s “King of Christmas” for the elaborate, holiday light displays he created at his home for exactly 35 years. It was a massive undertaking born out of pure generosity. Each holiday season, thousands of people would drive by his animated decorations watching elves jumping over the street or bears going down a ski slope in addition to many more characters covered in lights. It became a beloved regional tradition, bringing light, wonder, and true Christmas spirit to countless families.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm on Monday November 2, 2026, at Senter Funeral Home with Mike Deaton officiating. Burial will be in White Church Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm on Monday November 2nd at Senter Funeral Home.
Senter Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Sherry Senter Stubblefield. His sons, Trae Stubblefield and his wife Laura of McKinney, Texas, and Joey Stubblefield and his wife Amy of Sachse, Texas; as well as his grandchildren, Ty, Clay, Jackson, and Jace Stubblefield. He is also survived by his sister, Suzanne Warfield and her husband Gerald of Oxford, Mississippi; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dr. Don Presley and his wife Nancy of Baldwyn, Mississippi; his nieces, Kimberly Hyde and her husband Patrick, and Alexandra Presley and her fiancé John Gower of West Hollywood, California; his nephew, Alan Warfield of Saltillo, Mississippi; and his grand-nephew, Banks Hyde and his fiancée Grayson Jones.
He was preceded in death by his father, Malcolm Stubblefield; his mother, Ann Stubblefield Gibbs, and her husband Cobb Gibbs; and his in-law’s, Hillman and Gola Senter.
Pallbearers will be Steven Staub, Dan Steele, Butch Lambert, Pat Davis, Charles Stacy, Richard Dean, Ken Hogue, Jerry Maxcy, Ricky Duncan, and Kelly Martin.
Honorary pallbearers will be present and past JESCO employees.
