Jeffrey Michael McBride was born on June 4 ^th , 1990, in Denton, Texas to Glen and Ellen McBride. Jeff tragically and suddenly lost his life on April 25 ^th , 2022, in Denton, Texas at just 31 years old. Jeff had a bright shining soul that is now shining down from Heaven.

A 7 ^th generation Denton Texan, Jeff was very proud of his hometown and his state. He was a die-hard Dallas Mavericks, Cowboys, and Texas Rangers fan, and he loved watching his niece Kelsie in all her sports activities, as well as his honorary nephew, Caleb, excel at baseball.

Jeff grew up wild, fast, and free in what's already the Denton of a different era. The youngest of three, his friend group called him "little Jeff," though from an early age he was fiercely independent.

As an adult, "little Jeff" gave way to "Uncle Jeff," as the many kids in his life knew him, including his niece Kelsie, and his friends' children Caleb, Kyrstin, Kale, Kai, Kohen, & Jedrick. He'd beam with pride when he talked about them and enjoyed spending quality time with them.

Inseparable since her birth, Jeff's niece Kelsie Ann and he forged an unshakable bond through countless hours of play and talks and just being there. Kelsie adored her uncle and knew it would be Jeff who'd walk her down the aisle whenever she got married.

Jeff loved fiercely and was protective of those he loved. He had a soft, pure heart. His Dad was fond of saying that 'in his soul of souls, Jeff was a true prince.' Jeff's smile and contagious laugh could light up a room.

He loved to be outdoors and described the family farm as "Heaven on Earth." He was a talented angler and a patient amateur cattleman. He could catch a fish just about anywhere and loved to teach others how to fish as well, including Kelsie and Jedrick.

Friends knew Jeff as someone willing to give you his last $5 and the shirt off his back. And Glen met in his youngest son, the most unselfish person he knew - not wanting much, just a family and a piece of land. He was a peacekeeper among his siblings, often reminding his big sister that what other people thought didn't matter, in order to protect her peace. Andy McBride and Jeff were as close as brothers could be. They supported and took care of one another.

Jeff had strong faith and believed in Jesus Christ. Despite difficult obstacles, Jeff's faith only deepened when it was challenged. He knew there was a Godly purpose in the trials and tribulations he endured on this Earth. Jeff shared his story with many, and said he believed that he'd survived hard things by the grace and will of God. He'd remind loved ones who were walking in pain that there was a greater purpose, and that "it would be alright." And coming from Jeff that meant something.

Jeff suffered from anxiety and PTSD. He sought help, but became wrapped up in the criminal legal system, which is common for people who struggle with mental health and/or addiction.

He was incarcerated for two years, and while incarcerated ministered to other inmates, sang in the church choir, and mentored younger men who were locked up for minor drug crimes.

Jeff received no help for his PTSD or anxiety while in prison and received no educational or reintegration tools or support. He never complained once while he was incarcerated, and said he was only thankful to be alive.

Jeff broke norms by refusing to follow the racial expectations within prison walls, that many see as essential to survive. He once told his family that it was a "prison crime" to eat or drink after a person of a different race, but that he refused to allow that type of segregation to be a part of his life. He played games and broke bread with all people regardless of their race because that is the type of person Jeff was.

Though he refused to let the prison system bring racism into his life, that system did break him in many ways.

Jeff didn't leave prison in a better position than when he went in, regardless of his want and willingness to realize a fuller life. Like many, he was a victim of the system of Mass Incarceration. Instead of reforming and reintegrating, our prison systems causes great harm – often releasing inmates with little skills or support, and in worse shape than when they went in.

Although Jeff had an army of people who cared about him, he still struggled with reintegration into society. About 50% of those who are incarcerated return to prison [1] , and people who are formally incarcerated [2] have a higher risk of death following their release.

Jeff came out eager to work and be independent but being labeled a felon made it very for difficult for him to access housing or find gainful employment. Jeff was a statistic in many ways, and now his death is also a statistic—a staggering reminder of the problems that plague our society and the lack of support for those who need it the most.

But to his family and friends, Jeff was much more than a statistic. He was a loving, nurturing human being who meant the world to so many. The loss of Jeff is unfathomable, and we want to ensure that his death will not be in vain. We share this information about mass incarceration publicly because we know that many families are impacted by the criminal justice system, and our communities are greatly impacted by the crisis that is mass incarceration. Whether we realize it or not, we are all impacted in some form by mass incarceration. The system is a catch all for people suffering from a myriad of societal troubles including homelessness, addiction, mental health crisis, poverty, and more. We must do better.

He was so kindhearted. He measured his life not by the milestones of societal norms, but instead by the quality of moments with the people he loved. He had vast circles of friend groups that he celebrated holidays, birthdays, and life with.

Our hearts are broken, and our lives will never be the same. We are forever grateful for the time we had with Jeff while he was here on earth, but we're left with a huge gap in our hearts and lives, and we are praying that we will receive justice for Jeff.

Jeff is survived by his parents, Ellen & Glen McBride, one sister, Katy McBride, one brother, Andy McBride, and his niece Kelsie Ann who was the light of his life. Jeff is also survived by his dog, Benny. Jeff leaves behind beloved Uncles and Aunts: Mike and Darlene Whitten, David Whitten, Kathy Dunagin, Marc and Liz Whitten, and Keitha McBride along with first cousins Scott Whitten, Matthew Whitten, Adam Whitten, Claudia Anne Whitten, Alison Whitten Rians, Royce Whitten, and Charles Marcus Whitten. Jeff had a large, loving extended family and will be missed by his loving Miears-Boren family members. He leaves behind many friends and family members too numerous to list. Please know that you all meant the world to Jeff.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Royce and Gladys "Granny" Whitten, & Weldon "Pop" and Billie "Mamaw" McBride. He was also preceded in death by his dear friend, Miles Butler.

Jeff had many friends who were more like family and his loss in all our lives is profound. Pallbearers are Mitchell Herod, Andrew Saldivar, Tyler "TT" Dillon, Belew Gallo, Travis Hopkins, Juan Moya, Big John Harrison, Evan Sayer, Joseph Sherrill, and Blake Watkins.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 7 ^th , at 1 pm at Oak Meadow Ranch in Valley View, Texas. Glen and Ellen invite their friends and family to remember Jeff. A luncheon will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to one of the following organizations in Jeff's Memory:

The Denton Animal Shelter Foundation at www.DentonASF.com

Wild Rescue, Inc. www.wildrescuetexas.org

The National Incarceration Association at www.joinNIA.com

Denton Basic Services Center at 1205 N. Austin Street Apt. A, Denton, TX, 76201

Denton Friends of the Family www.dcfof.org

[1] Recidivism Imprisons American Progress - Harvard Political Review (harvardpolitics.com)

[2] Release from Prison — A High Risk of Death for Former Inmates - PMC (nih.gov)