Jesse Deslandes Williams, 69, known to all that knew him as “The Jet” of Everett, Wash., and formerly of Bellefontaine, sadly lost his battle to lung cancer and passed away Sunday, April 26, 2020 at Providence Hospital in Everett, Wash.
Jesse was born April 29, 1950, in Bellefontaine, to Valorie J. Taylor and the late Jesse J. Williams. He was also preceded in death by his step-father Paul D. Taylor, Sr.
Jesse graduated from Bellefontaine High School with the class of 1969. Jesse has always kept in touch with his classmates and attended his 50th Class Reunion last year. His 1967 football team was inducted in to the hall of fame. Jesse was a four-year standout at running back for the Chiefs. He held several records in football, basketball and track. To date, Jesse still holds some of those records.
Jesse graduated from Michigan State University with a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice.
Jesse’s humbleness and character on and off the field is what truly defined him. He had a passion for helping others, he loved kids and had a great sense of humor.
Jesse was a 7th and 8th grade football coach for Eisenhower Middle School in Fraser, Mich. for many years, saying he wanted to give back to his community.
His teams had great success and always had winning records. He also coached 7th and 8th grade track for Eisenhower. He was a huge fan of Jazz and Blues, often going to concerts and buying tickets for friends.
He was a Seahawks, Sonics and Mariners fan and of course a devout Michigan State sports fan. Jesse attended local auctions and charities around Puget Sound. He was a member of the Independent adjusters of Washington and always attended their annual golf event. He was well-known by many local contractors and business people through his longtime successful business, Classic Claims Service, Inc., which was the first minority-owned business in Washington.
Jesse loved golfing with friends and when a putt was left short by another player, he could be heard saying, “there’s still some meat left on that bone!”
Several years ago, Jesse trained for, and then walked 60 miles in the three-day Susan G Komen for the cure for breast cancer awareness. Jesse was a beloved friend of so many people. He was a kind and loving son, nephew, brother, father, grandfather and uncle; a person that never met a stranger and always treated people with kindness and respect. Jesse’s favorite saying when he would see people was, “Hello there!”
Jesse never forgot where he came from and was always happy to come home to see his family and visit friends. People were always mistaking him for his brother Dallas, when he was home and he would just go along with them, and just laugh. He so loved spending time having grandkids over on the weekends, hiking with them, taking them to the beach and other adventures.
Jesse is survived by his mother, Valorie Taylor (Bellefontaine); the mother of his children; Carole Williams (Everett, Wash.); sons, Curtis and Eric Williams (Vancouver British Columbia, Canada). His grandchildren Gabriella and Tyson Williams (Vancouver British Columbia Canada); siblings, Beverly (the late Bill) Dixon and Dallas Williams (Bellefontaine, Ohio); Anthony Taylor (Long Beach, Calif.); Danielle (Fernando) Smith (Piqua) Vera Taylor (Long Beach, Calif); Paula (Mike) Causey (Cincinnati) Paul D (Teresa) Taylor Jr (Bellefontaine), Aaron Taylor (Bellefontaine), and Helena (James) Berton (Bellefontaine). Several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Special friends, Bryan (BD) Davis, Gail Clark, Kenith Alderson, Ernie Hamilton, Ed Ratleff, Wayne and Jerra Fjelstad, Gene and Martha Marine.
He will be truly missed by many, and especially by his family. He was our hero! Heaven has gained another Angel!
Jesse’s family would like to extend a special “Thank You” to Carole Williams and Nurse Cecilia, for all they did for him since they could not be there.
Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, a memorial service will be conducted in Bellefontaine later this fall. Send condolences to the family to: Jessethejet.com.