Photo courtesy of Herring Groseclose Funeral Home - Walla Walla
Walla Walla, Washington
Aug 18, 1953 – Mar 22, 2024
Thomas Craig Jessee, 70, passed away on March 22, 2024, at the Providence St. Mary Hospital due to heart health-related complications.
Tom was born and raised in Walla Walla to Robert and Marjorie Jessee. Tom graduated from Walla Walla High School in 1971.
After high school, Tom attended the University of Nevada, where he was recruited to play baseball. He played first base and, at one point, led the nation in home run hits. Tom eventually transferred to Eastern Washington University, where he graduated. Tom returned to Walla Walla and started his own landscaping business, which he was still successfully operating.
Tom’s first love was always baseball. He spent countless hours at the ball field, coaching and umpiring. Tom loved devoting his time to youth sports and, over the years, coached Little League, Babe Ruth, Legion, Colt baseball, and Touchet High School basketball. Tom also enjoyed playing on local recreational softball and basketball teams.
Tom was a true die-hard Coug and loved cheering them on. He never missed an opportunity to visit Pullman for a game and was always up for some Cougar tailgating fun. Go Cougs! He also loved being outdoors, golfing, and traveling to the Oregon coast and had a huge heart for animals.
Tom is survived by the love of his life, Marge Jessee; their children, Abby and Zac and their families; his dog, Bode; his nephew, Wyeth and family; numerous cousins, including Craig Christensen and family; his brother, Steve; and many other cherished family and friends. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Marjorie, and his brother, Bob.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 1:00 PM, at the Chapel of the Herring Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Blue Mountain Humane Society or YMCA of Walla Walla through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W Alder St, Walla Walla, WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.
Read MoreTom came to Reno to play baseball at Nevada. I was a pitcher at Nevada. Our friendship began then and we kept in touch with each other throughout these years, whether Tom coming down for visits to Reno and talking for hours on the phone about our great times in Reno. You will be missed MY FRIEND. You will always be a part of our family.
Rich Jameson
September 20, 2024 | Reno, NV | Friend
Tom was a very close family friend. I will always remember going to Hat Rock park with Tom & his family. We had lots of fun. Tom was also one of my classmates. Always loved dragging the gut with brother Mike and Tom. I will miss you Tom. You were a great friend!
Debra Beal
May 16, 2024 | Walla Walla, WA | Friend
My wife Rose and I moved to Walla Walla in 1982. she was from Waitsburg so she had some friends and family here but I really didn't know anybody. It didn't take long to get a chance to play city league softball and basketball with a great group of guys including Tommy. The term "larger then life" definitely describes the big guy. We had a ton of fun playing sports, cards, or just hanging out. It's going to be hard not to see Tom and just shoot the proverbial "stuff" now and then. To Marge...
Sam Worth
May 15, 2024 | Walla Walla, WA | Friend
Tom & I were roommates at the University of Nevada. We had a lot of fun together in Reno. Always considered Tom as a great friend. Very sad to hear the news of his passing. He will be missed by many friends.
Kevin Goetz
Kevin Goetz
April 09, 2024 | Kennewick, WA | Friend
We (Mike and I) were good friends of Tom and Marge. We had many great & fun adventures with them & with our families. 4 th of July Fireworks celebrations for one!
He had great sense of humor and was very knowledgeable about all sorts of sports topics and of course he loved his Cougs!!
No doubt Tom can be found in the “Go Cougs” section in heaven! ❤
Jeanette Lightfoot
April 04, 2024 | Walla Walla, WA | Friend
To Tom’s family: Sending my sincere condolences. I went to school with Tom, and especially remember him from our days at Wa-Hi. He was friendly and kind, with a great sense of humor. May your many great memories of times spent together and the love of family and friends comfort you at this time.
Jo Haberstok
April 03, 2024 | WA | Classmate
