James Jessee

ABINGDON – James Gilmer (Jimmie) Jessee, age 86, died peacefully at his home, Monday, June 18, 2007.
Born Dec.1, 1920, in Lebanon, a son of the late Samuel Vince Jessee and the late Flora Burke Jessee, he lived and worked as a farmer in Lebanon for the past 82 years, moving to Abingdon four years ago. Jimmie was a devoted family man, a loved husband, father and papaw. He was of the Christian faith.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by eight siblings, Sam Vince Jr., Gratt, Archie, Teddy, Sarah Virginia, Margaret and two infants.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, DeVee F. Jessee; two daughters, Sherry Dowdy and husband Charles, Lebanon, and Jannifer Hendrickson and husband Carl, Abingdon; three granddaughters, Jessica Wallace and husband Josh, Abingdon, Whitnee Henley and husband Erik, Kingsport, and Cortnee Dowdy, Johnson City; and one grandson, Ashley McClung, Lebanon. He is survived by other relatives and many friends.
A private family service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 21, 2007, in the chapel of the Ketron Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, where entombment will follow. Those attending should meet at the mausoleum prior to the time of the service.
Honorary pallbearers will be Erik Henley, Jim Bray, Joshua Wallace, Greg Fields, Tim Fields, and Ashley McClung.
The family will receive friends 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 20, 2007, at the funeral home.
Combs Funeral Service, 291 Fincastle Road, Lebanon, VA 24266, (276) 889-4444, is serving the Jessee family.