Jefferson Hobby Wilkes

December 10, 1957 – December 26, 2010

FATHER, SAILOR, WINEMAKER, FRIEND

Jefferson “Jeff” Hobby Wilkes passed away on December 26, 2010. Jeff was born in Texas on December 10, 1957. He grew up in the southwest and moved to Costa Mesa in 1970. After graduating from USC, he moved to Santa Barbara in the early 1980s.

Jeff’s passions were his family, sailing, and winemaking. As a devoted father to son Chris Lewis, he encouraged him with great pride in all his pursuits.

He began sailing as a youngster and eventually became an accomplished racer, competing on several J-24 teams nationally over the years. He volunteered countless hours helping others learn to sail, and served on race committees up and down the South Coast.

Jeff made his career in the winemaking business. His success as a winemaker culminated in the release of his first award-winning wine under the J.Wilkes label in 2003.

Jeff leaves behind son Chris Lewis; siblings David Wilkes, Oscar Wilkes, Leslie Wilkes, Karin Muska, and Kelly Wilkes Petruy; and many friends.

A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held at the Santa Barbara Yacht Club on Wednesday, January 5th at 2:00 pm.