Jesse Holmes' Obituary
My Dad was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1936. I believe my Granny, his Mother, probably named him after Jesse Owens, winning track star of the 1936 Olympic Games. My Dad grew up in the Hill District in Pittsburgh. Even though it was hard times growing up in that urban environment, Jesse was able to successfully navigate his way through the tough neighborhoods to make his way to school and back daily. While in high school, Jesse was a Lettering Athele, an exceptional basketball player. He was able to use those skills later when he was a young serviceman in the Air Force and lead his team to win the basketball championship. His basketball nickname was Hawkeye Holmes.
Jesse joined the US Air Force when he was 19 years old. From basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas he went on the further training at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi. His first assignment was at Andrews AFB, Maryland. While serving there he ended up meeting a fine young lady who worked in D.C. at the National Science Foundation. Marlene Ward was from a town just outside of Pittsburgh, Washington Pennsylvania. Although Ms. Ward was a single mother of one, Terrance, Jesse loved and respected this strong woman. That was the beginning of a life long journey of love and adventures. Shortly before Jesse was deployed overseas to Germany in 1961, they were married. Their son Steven was born in February 1962. Their time apart was hard, but Marlene was able to continue working and taking care of the kids while Jesse served overseas. When Jesse returned, he was assigned to MacGuire AFB, NJ and they moved from DC to Mt Holly, NJ. During the time they lived in New Jersey, Jesse attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. They had a lovely time while living in Mt. Holly. Jesse received orders to deploy to Germany again, this time to Ramstein AFB. Fortunately, Jesse was able to bring his family to Germany. Jesse went over in 1970 and his family reunited with him the next year, 1971. Those four years in Germany were some of the best times they had as a young family. Traveling around to historic sites, meeting and making new friends both American and German and enjoying the local culture and cuisine was a fulfilling experience. During that time was when Jesse and Marlene began their camping adventures after purchasing a pop-up tent trailer. Eventually it was time to come back to the States; the year was 1974. It kind of became a countdown year as the first thing everyone wanted to do when we got back was to go to McDonald's!
Once back in the States, Jesse planned the route they would take to get to his next assignment; McChord AFB, Washington. They travelled from New Jersey to Pittsburgh, all they way across the country, getting to see the land from sea to shining sea. Stops along the way included The Corn Palace, the Mighty Mississippi River, Mount Rushmore, The Badlands, Yellowstone National Park, The Battleground of the Little Big Horn, over the Rockies and the Cascades to Tacoma Washington and Puget Sound.
Jesse served five more years in the Service before retiring in 1979. Jesse and Marlene purchased a house in Sylvan Park in Lakewood and raised their sons there.
After retiring from the Air Force Jesse went to college and received his Associates Degree. He then went on to work at St. Joseph's Hospital for the next 20 years. He finally retired in the year 2000. He and Marlene continued to travel across the country in their new travel trailer and also take a few vacations to Europe, Hawaii and Alaska. Retirement life was good for Jesse. His son Steven was married and he and his wife Pamela were able to bless him with three grandchildren, Jayme Dillon, Isaiah Holmes and Christian Holmes. Jesse loved his grandchildren very much. Jesse was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Devin and Eleisha Croskey.
Everyone who ever met my Dad or knew him loved him. He had an infectious smile, charm, and a warm personality. His presence will be missed by all, but his loving spirit will live on forever.
What’s your fondest memory of Jesse?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jesse?
Share a story where Jesse's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jesse you’ll never forget.
How did Jesse make you smile?