Jesse Carver Ricketson

Jesse Carver Ricketson, 84, of Bowie, MD, passed away at his home on Thursday, July 25, 2024.

Jesse, or Carver to many, was born on December 3, 1939, on the family farm in Baxley, Georgia, to the late Jesse and Pauline Ricketson. Outside of school or working the farm, he liked having fun by going into town, fishing, or playing sports. He was a good baseball player and continued his love of the sport by participating in work softball leagues. He graduated from Appling County High School in 1957 and faced a life decision; continue farming in his family’s tradition, or forge his own path. He moved to Jacksonville, FL to begin his career and subsequently met and married his first wife, Betty. His first job was in the mailroom with Blue Cross Blue Shield, but this was a time of technological advancement and his skills were well matched to be a pioneer in the emerging IT industry. He retired as a Program Manager Technology Consultant with expertise in areas of coding, software, data centers, systems integrations and networking. His career at Volkswagen of America brought him to Maryland in October 1973. He was a dedicated member of the Sacred Heart Church in Bowie. He greatly enjoyed traveling, going to Bowie Baysocks games, attending Oktoberfests and wine festivals, and listening to music. He had a great interest in his family’s history dating back to the Mayflower, continuing through to the participation of the Georgia troops in the Civil War. In retirement, he enjoyed the community and friends from the Bowie Senior Center, Sacred Heart Men's Group, and Knights of Columbus. He believed in celebrating life, and may have been known to enjoy it with a bit of schnapps or whiskey. Prost!

He was preceded in death by his wife, Stefanie Ricketson; twin sisters, Erma Sue and Verma Lou; brother, Eddie; an infant sister; and step-daughter, Doris.

He is survived by his two children, Julie and Steve (Liz); sister, Evelyn; step-son, Garry (Janeath); 2 step-grandchildren, Melanie (Harry) and Chas (Mizuki); and step-great granddaughter, Kana.

A memorial service will be held Friday, September 26, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Red Oak Baptist Church. Inurnment will follow in the church cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.