Jesse B. Mitchell Sr.

Jesse B. Mitchell, Sr. December 10, 1916 July31, 2004 Jesse B. Mitchell, Sr. was born in Conroe, Texas on December 10, 1916. He was the first born of Riles and Lillie Mae Mitchell. During his early years Jesse and his brother James had many adventures in rural Texas, exploring ancient forests of Hickory and sugar pine and playing around lumber mills and railroads of the region. Jesse's carefree youth ended abruptly at age 12 when his mother Lillie died of a stroke at age 33, shortly after the birth of his youngest brother Sammy. Suddenly, he and his sister Viola found themselves caring for their four younger siblings. Although he had great interest in his early education, Jesse left school to help support his family. After his father moved the family to the Houston area, Jesse worked at a variety of jobs including domestic service, cooking and catering. He was trained as a cook by the famous Fred Harvey restaurant system. In 1936 he became a chauffer for the general manager of the Champion Paper and Fiber Company. He had the opportunity to showcase his fine bass voice, touring the south with his brothers James and Theopholis in a singing quartet sponsored by the Company. On May 16, 1942, Jesse married Ludie B.Harvey who would remain with him for the next 59 years until her death in October, 2001. During WWII, Jesse and Ludie set out on an adventure to California and decided to settle there. They both found work in the Kaiser Shipyards building Liberty ships. After the war Jesse joined the Southern Pacific Railroad as a chef. Because of his outstanding culinary skill, he worked on the best trains in the system including the famous 'City of San Francisco, 'Overland' 'Challenger' and 'Shasta Daylight'. Jesse was invited to work on President Harry Truman's 'whistle stop' campaign train, and had the honor of meeting him. In 1950 Jesse joined Mare Island Naval Shipyard. During the 20 years that followed he rose from a welder's helper to the level of Master Journeyman welder. Jesse received the "Superior Accomplishment" award from the 12th Naval District for his role in making a critical emergency repair on a nuclear powered 'Polaris' submarine. Because of his extraordinary aptitude and skill as a welder, the Navy enrolled Jesse in a series of management courses. He also studied the science of metallurgy. When he left Mare Island in 1970, Jesse was a welding instructor charged with teaching his finely honed techniques to apprentice welders. These students not only loved him as an instructor but as a friend. After a brief period of retirement Jesse joined Richmond's Chevron/Texaco refinery where he spent 12 years as a refinery mechanic. He finally retired from a colorful and varied career in 1983. Beginning in the mid 1970's Jesse and Ludie hosted Ambassadors, professors and other government officials from The Ivory Coast and other African countries through a special program sponsored by the U.S. State Department. Jesse achieved success in yet another endeavor when his adventurous spirit led him to join the Screen Actors Guild in 1989. He was featured in many national television commercials and print ads. This work continued even after he suffered a stroke in 1991, which partially paralyzed his left side. Jesse developed his own daily exercise regimen and he managed to overcome many of the effects of the stroke. Jesse was a lifetime learner, philosopher and teacher. Although his circumstances never permitted him to be awarded an academic degree, Jesse guided his children to attend several distinguished institutions including Harvard, UC Berkeley, University of San Francisco, University of Southern California and Pitzer College. Jesse lived the "American Dream" and he set an outstanding example for all who met and worked with him. Jesse is survived by his sons: Jesse II, Richard and Garth Mitchell, his daughters: Dietre Brown and Robin Hart-Poindexter, grandchildren: Walter III, Mari, Galen and Kira Brown, Richard, Jessica, David, Emerald, Forrest and Cameron Mitchell, Jasmine and Summer Hart-Poindexter, and Pauletta Merriman, and by great-grandchildren: Rikki and Mia Brown, Ashton McCauley, Austin Gipson, and Carmel Merriman, and god-daughter, Marjorie Smith. He is also survived by his brothers, James, Theopholis, and Rev. Rogers Mitchell. Jesse's wisdom, experience, patience and perspective will be missed by all who knew him.