Jeffrey “Jeff” LaBarge, 67

Jeffrey “Jeff” Charles LaBarge, 67, died Thursday, February 9, 2023 at his home in Kings Mountain, NC, surrounded by family. Raised in Tupper Lake, he was the son of the late Berton Elwood and Louise Knox LaBarge.

Jeff managed the Dixie Lee Restaurant in Tupper Lake before continuing his education at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY.

He worked at several jobs before becoming the Chef Instructor and Program Director for the Culinary Department at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, NC for 26 years.

Jeff was passionate about the culinary arts and enjoyed mentoring his students, many of whom went on to great successes in the field. 

   He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Nell Lee LaBarge; brother, Jay LaBarge and wife, Sandy of Syracuse, NY; sister, Cherie Bourque and husband Yvan of Watertown, NY; sister-in-law, Ansley Mays and husband Walter of Cornelius, NC; brother-in-law, Bill Lee of Charlotte; nieces, Ashley Lemoine and husband Billy, Kara LaBarge Durkin and husband Patrick, Brandon Lee Lance and husband Joe, Katie Kromjong and husband Jon and Maggie Lee Leitch; nephews, Ivan Bourque and Christopher Bourque and wife Marci; several great nieces and nephews.  

A service will be held in late spring at Myers Park Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, NC, with a celebration to follow. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Tri-Lakes Humane Society.