Search by Name

Search by Name

Jesse D Pittman

1984 - 2011

Jesse D Pittman obituary, 1984-2011, Willits, CA

BORN

1984

DIED

2011

Jesse Pittman Obituary

U.S. Navy SEAL Jesse was born April 20, 1984, in Arcata. He died Saturday, August 06, 2011, in Wardak Province, Afghanistan.
He moved with his family to Willits in June 1984. Jesse attended school in Willits and Redwood Valley, graduating from Willits High School in 2002.

Jesse held various jobs while in high school. In 2003 he went to work for CalFire as a seasonal firefighter. But firefighting was not challenging enough for Jesse, so he took a year to pre-train prior to joining the Navy.

His goal was to become a Navy SEAL. Jesse was the type of person who, even at a young age, had an insatiable drive to accomplish what he wanted to do. He succeeded in everything he made up his mind to do.

Jesse had a good sense of humor which was appreciated by all. He also was a very honest, dedicated person.

He will be remembered by the Pittman family, and everyone who knew him, as a hero and a wonderful person. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and fellow Navy SEALs.

Jesse is survived by his parents, J. Terry and Ida Pittman; and two brothers, J. Terry and Corey S. Pittman. He also is survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins. His Uncle Mike was especially close to Jesse and his family.

It is with great pride and great sorrow that we submit this. May Jesse be a good example for all of us. He accomplished more in his 27 years than many of us will accomplish in our lifetime. He loved his country and died a hero.

In-lieu of flowers donations may be sent to The Navy SEAL Foundation.
A memorial honoring Jesse will be held at the Redwood Empire Fairgrounds in Ukiah at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 24.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The WillitsNews from Aug. 26 to Sep. 26, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Jesse Pittman

Not sure what to say?





Sandee G Schock

August 6, 2025

14 YRS, GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
THANK YOU FOR THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE

Sandee G Schock

May 26, 2025

THANK YOU FOR THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.

Sandee G Schock

August 6, 2024

THANK YOU FOR THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.

Sandee G Schock

May 27, 2024

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.
THANK YOU FOR THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.

Sandee G Schock

May 29, 2023

THANK YOU FOR THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.

ZZ

February 6, 2023

I didn´t know you; I knew of you and worked with your dad. As your dads son, I feel like I could know you. This year I went over the new(ish) bypass in Willits for the first time and was telling your story to the van occupants and then saw your memorial. It touched my heart. Your lived a full young life and may your rest in peace.

Sandee Garza Schock

August 6, 2022

11 YRS, GONE NOT FORGOTTEN
THANK YOU FOR THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE

Sandee Garza Schock

May 30, 2022

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.
THANK YOU FOR THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.

Sandee Garza Schock

August 6, 2021

10 YRS, GONE NOT FORGOTTEN
THANK YOU FOR THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE

cal payton

July 3, 2021

Life is short shorter for some than others, some attain immense accomplishments ,more than others could in 10 lifetimes, thanks jesse for your great sacrafice, you said ,'here am I lord send me'. not knowing the price but wiiling to pay, we thank God such men as you lived.

Sandee Garza Schock

May 31, 2021

THANK YOU FOR THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.

Sandee Garza Schock

August 6, 2020

9 years gone but not forgotten.
Rest In Peace.

Sandee Garza Schock

May 25, 2020

Thank You for the ultimate sacrifice.
Gone But Not Forgotten.

Sandee Garza Schock

May 27, 2019

Rest In Peace HERO
Gone But Not Forgotten
Thank You for the ultimate sacrifice

Sincerely

Sandee Garza Schock

August 6, 2018

Thank You for the ultimate sacrifice.
Gone But Not Forgotten

Sandee Garza Schock

May 29, 2018

Never Forgotten
Thank You for the ultimate sacrifice.

Sandee Garza Schock

August 6, 2017

GONE 6 YRS BUT YOU'RE NOT FORGOTTEN.
THANK YOU FOR THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE.

Sandee Garza Schock

May 29, 2017

Thank You for the ultimate sacrifice.
Gone But Not Forgotten.

Sandee Garza Schock

August 6, 2016

5 years Gone But Not Forgotten
Thank You for the ultimate sacrifice

Sandee Garza Schock

May 30, 2016

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

Sandee Garza Schock

November 11, 2015

Thank You for the ultimate sacrifice. Gone But Not Forgotten.

Sandee Garza Schock

August 6, 2015

Gone But Not Forgotten
Thank You for the ultimate sacrifice

Sandee Garza Schock

May 25, 2015

Gone But Not Forgotten
Thank You for the ultimate sacrifice

Sandee Garza Schock

August 6, 2014

R I P HERO
Gone But Not Forgotten

Sandee G Schock

May 26, 2014

Gone But Not Forgotten.
Thanks for the ultimate sacrifice.

Sandee Garza Schock

August 6, 2013

R I P HERO
Gone But Not Forgotten

Gone But Not Forgotten

Sandee Garza Schock

May 27, 2013

Charlie Gili

April 20, 2013

Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Pittman Family know that we recently sent a donation to the Navy SEAL Foundation in honor of Jesse D. Pittman US Navy Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Petty Officer 1st Class. We recognize that this is a humble tribute, but we wanted you to know that it is heartfelt and made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals in the youth hockey community and beyond. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign

Jacky

January 16, 2013

You will never be forgotten

Sandra Schock

August 7, 2012

Gone But Never Forgotten

Peggy Childers

August 7, 2012

August 6, 2012
To the family of Special Warfare Operator PO 1st Class (SEAL) Jesse D. Pittman:
Jesse gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."

Curtis Glass

August 6, 2012

On this day of the 1 Year anniverary , I wanted to remind your family that Jesse's sacrifice Has not & Will not be forgotten by my family & I . This Country seems to forget how Lucky we are to have the caliber of people that it takes to do what these men & women do & the families that raise them . God Bless our troops & there familes .

M Bee

June 3, 2012

God bless you and RIP guardian angel.

Kathy Lebro

June 2, 2012

God bless you and the brave men who paid the ultimate price so we remain free. We will never forget.

"I will be strong and courageous, I will not be terrified or discouraged, for the Lord my God is with me wherever I go." ~Joshua 1:9

Rachel Cain

June 1, 2012

"Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." ~John 15:13 ...thank you Navy SEAL Jesse D. Pittman for being exceptional; I shall thank you in person, again one day, when I see you in Heaven!

Peggy Pearce

June 1, 2012

Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. Rest well and know we honor your memory.

Richard Deldonna

June 1, 2012

God bless this hero. May the lord bring nothing but find and happy memories of Jesse Pitman to his family, and friends. He will always be remembered.

Lance O. Adams

October 11, 2011

Rest in Peace Warrior, your sacrifice will not be forgotten. A grateful America thanks you for your service and welcomes you home to your final place of rest as you have given all that one can give. And may the Lord wrap his arms around the family and help them find a measure of peace. With the utmost respect, TSAF ......

Gary Allain

October 10, 2011

SPECIAL WARFARE OPERATOR PO 1ST CLASS (SEAL) JESSE D. PITTMAN
You are my Hero may God keep you in his arms forever.

Terri Stout

September 24, 2011

O my Jesse there were so many people lining up on State St to honor you.R.I.P. Thank You for keeping us safe

Patrica

September 23, 2011

Rip Jesse. My heart go out to you and Family. Thank you for your work to keep us SAFE.

In our hearts!

Sandra LaManna

September 18, 2011

Rest In Peace warrior, we thank you for your dedication and sacrifice for our country. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. We will never forget!

Michael Pittman

September 13, 2011

A portion of the Navy SEAL creed was written for Jesse D. Pittman.


Uncle Mike

Uncle Mike Pittman

September 12, 2011

In times of war or uncertainity there is a special breed of warrior ready to answere our Nations call. A common man with uncommon desire to succeed. Forged by adversity,he stands alongside America's finest special operations forces to serve his country, the American people, and protect their way of life. I am that man.

Mary Anne Reese

September 10, 2011

For the light has shown a different color for me, as I have traveled my path through life.

for the light has guided me in my quest of life through my early years, never realizing that the light would share with me, my path to heaven.
Well Mom and Dad, the lights bright now and that must be an Angel I see, She's beautiful.

Rene and Jan Patereau

September 8, 2011

Our hearts go out to the Pittman family. Jesse was a true hero and will be sorely missed. Thank you to the family for their sacrifice. May God bless you.

Jo Perry

September 8, 2011

Dear Ida and Terry
I am so sorry for your loss. I grew up with Terry even played with him when I was 4 years old and lived on Della Ave and Pat Quinlan was our other playmate. Little did we know then that you,Terry, would grow up to raise such a wonderful loving young man who gave his life for the lives of all Americans!! Thank you Jessie from the bottom of my heart for protecting all. You are truly a HERO,,,,,May the angels watch over you and God hold you in the palms of His hands forever,,,,,,,R.I.P!
God Bless you Ida and Terry.

Jo Perry (Georgette Stewart)

Training, SD 2006

September 6, 2011

I'll miss you buddy. -JG(Teammate and Friend)

September 5, 2011

God Bless you and your family.......thanks from the bottom of my heart.

Tammy Tidd

September 3, 2011

To the Pittman Family ,You are all in my Heart,thoughts and Prayers! Jesse will NEVER be forgotton and will for now and forever be Our Perfect Angel . With Much Love and Respect Tammy Tidd , Ukiah, CA (Proud Marine Mom 1/3 Bravo)

September 1, 2011

I have tried to read the obituarys of all the courageous young men who died in this event. They were all so special, and I grieve for you. I read The comment that Jessie's Mom said that if you don't want to stand behind your soldiers, stand in front of them. I have cried over this. Toni (Indiana

September 1, 2011

Invictus
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

POET: William Ernest Henley

From one mother of a NAVY SEAL to another mother of a NAVY SEAL, my heart is with you.

Brenda Bertain

August 31, 2011

Go rest high on the mountain Jesse. Freedom will never be free and we must never forget those who gave their life so that we may be free. I will never forget you Jesse! REST IN PEACE HERO!

Susan

August 30, 2011

To Jesse's family ~~ Sending love and prayers to you today, though you don't know me and I never met your beautiful boy. Someone in my family, however, was very close to him and I grieve your loss almost as if it was my own. I, too, have military children, and mostly I'm just proud of them and excited that they get to do what they love, pretending all the while I don't know what tomorrow could bring.

You raised a good one, that I know for fact. Not many have the heart to do all he has done and you all are to be commended on raising a child with integrity. I wish I could have known him; I smile when I look at some of the photos I've seen for he was surely a fun-loving guy.

When God saw Jesse heading His way, I know he went to open the gates of heaven himself, and shouted HOOYAH as he came inside.

God bless you all.

Melodee Scofield

August 30, 2011

Ida, Terry, Terry and Corey,

My heart grieves with you in the loss of Jesse. He was a fine young man and a credit to your family. His example will live on as his legacy. I am honored that I knew him as a little boy and regret not knowing him well as a man.

I know that the Author of our lives is in control and that He will send His Comforter to you. He intervenes for us in groanings too deep for words for those all-too-many times when we have no words and all we have are our groans of anguish.

Jesse's with his Lord now and he'll never know fear, pain, sorrow or loss again. We mourn his loss from us, but we know we'll see him again. I'll pray for you all in this time of great sorrow.

Mary L. Samms

August 29, 2011

I did not know Jesse but want to commend you for raising such a fine son and offer my heartfelt sympathy on behalf of myself and family Our freedom is not free but has been bought by those brave and courageouss men and women who have given their all. We honor you. May God bless and comfort you with His love. From the widow of a retired veteran.

Sandra Miller

August 29, 2011

My Heart & Prayer's Go Out to your family. While Your Son was Giving the "Ultimate Sacrifice" My son was becoming A Marine...The Joy & Pain of being A Proud Parent's. May God help You Through This Pain.

Randy & Terri Stout

August 29, 2011

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

August 29, 2011

To the Pittman Family,
Janice and I also grieve as do many others, in your great loss. We both drove Jessie on the school bus until, if I remember correctly, He got a chevy pickup. He was a delight to have on the bus. He had an unusual but pleasant sense of humor and if per chance He was out of line all that was needed was eye contact and a grin would appear. In my conversations with Jessie I came to believe He had a personal relationship with Jesus and is this day at home in the comfort of His Heavenly Father. May God comfort you and give you peace. Bill & Janice Griffitts, Bus #2&7, Fallon, NV.

August 28, 2011

Dear Pittman family,
Our family grieves the loss of Jesse. A true hero. He will not be forgotten. We are humbled by his service and sacrifice. May the love of family and friends carry you through your grief. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
K. Collins family of Colo. Sgs., CO

Rose Mary McKenzie

August 28, 2011

Son, I do not know you, but I am a Mom, with a Mom's heart. Thank you for your love, devotion and sacrifice to us and your country. Rest peacefully in the arms of your creator. Your work is finished on earth, and God has told you, welcome home Son, you were a good and faithful servant

Mary Anne Reese

August 28, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your saddness,

August 27, 2011

My sincere appreciation to you, Jesse, for giving your life so that we Americans can be free. You and your buddies that also gave their lives on August 6th are heroes. May your family and their families know that they raised the Best of the Best sons. Thank you for your service and may you rest in peace, Jesse Pittman!

Bonnie and Bob Harrison/Beloud

August 27, 2011

Dear Terry, Ida and family, your have alot to be proud of in your Jesse. He was raised a good young man and so are your other boys. You raised him right and it showed in his life. In all you hurting, just know that he too is watching over you and saying, it's OK mom and dad, we will meet again one day. So R. I. P. Jesse and we will all meet again one day when the good Lord says its the right time. Love to Mike, Paul and their families also. Bonnie Fender-Harrison

Dan & Brenda Bagley

August 26, 2011

Thank you to Jesse and his family for the ULTIMATE sacrifice on behalf of us all. May the Holy Spirit comfort you in this time and be with you.

Rick & Denise Lewis

August 26, 2011

Rest in peace dear Jessie. Our prayers are with your parents and family. You are our hero and our friend forever. For us you gave all.

August 25, 2011

My deepest sympathy to Jesse's family. My prayers are with you. To Jesse, Thank you for the ultimate sacrifice may you Rest in Peace.

August 25, 2011

He died a hero for our freedom. Rest in honor and peace.

Deborah Besley

August 25, 2011

God bless him for what he gave- life

Lynne Neibert

August 24, 2011

Prayer Shawls 4 Fallen Soldiers ([email protected]) is an organization with groups throughout the country who strive to send handmade prayer shawls and/ or lap robes to families who have lost a loved one in service to our country. Members of Trindle Spring Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA would like to honor your son’s sacrifice and memory by sending our prayers and comfort through a shawl which we will mail to you. If you are interested, please contact me at [email protected] with the names and addresses and what they would like to receive. We will send them as soon as possible. Also, if you know of any other families who are grieving the loss of a loved one who died serving our country, please pass along my e-mail address, as our organization can no longer get family contacts through the military. May God bless you and comfort you in the days ahead. Sincerely, Lynne

SrA Taylor Rubio

August 24, 2011

Rest in peace, brother.

Jennie Baumann

August 17, 2011

You will be missed my friend. Our prayers go out to your family and Teams.

April Prigmore

August 16, 2011

Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with Jesse's family. We honor his memory with you and are very thankful for his service to our country and the great sacrifice he made in behalf of our freedom. God Bless you.

Sylvia Kronenwetter

August 15, 2011

Please accept my deepest sympathy
for the loss of your loved one and
Hero Jesse, and my sincerest
gratitude for his service.
God Bless you PO1C Jesse D.
Pittman...you will not be forgotten.

Wilma Villa

August 15, 2011

Jessie, You have touched all our hearts. We will miss you. A job well done, know that you and your family are loved.

For the Commander, Carroll R. Michaud

August 14, 2011

The Final Salute

“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.

This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to U.S. Navy Seal, PO1c. Jesse D. Pittman our Brother in Arms. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Jesse. And to Jesse it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the ultimate sacrifice he made for his country while opposing enemy forces in Afghanistan. No greater love is shown than a man lay down his life for another. Jesse, you are a brave Navy Seal, a Patriot Warrior and a true Hero. With your passing, our Country has lost a National Treasure. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at ease. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the 1,307 military veteran Legionnaires of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion in Shreveport, Louisiana, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Jesse’s family and loved ones.

Dennis N. Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109

August 14, 2011

Jesse,
Thanks for your many contributions to our freedom. Your efforts and those of your fellow service men have made reality for us, what many Afghans can only dreamed of. If they only realized.

Henryk Zaleski USN-Ret

August 14, 2011

Fair winds and following seas shipmate. Your warrior days are now over and peace is yours.

August 13, 2011

Pittman Family,

You don't know me, but the whole nation knows your family because of Jesse. No words can ease your pain. Your Jesse was a special young man, a hero, talented...pushing beyond the limits of what was possible to become the elite of elite soldiers in service to our country. The person and character your Jesse was speaks volumes to the family life he lived. Thank you for giving to the service of our country your Jesse. Your family is in my prayers.

Bennetta Dauro
Mom of Michelle Dauro
Virginia Beach, VA
and LT Michael Dauro

Eleyse Griffin

August 13, 2011

I pray your family will feel the presence of the Lord today and that you will draw strength and hope as you trust Him to be your comfort. We are blessed because of your loved one’s service to our country.

L Greene

August 13, 2011

I am so sorry for your loss. May SPECIAL WARFARE OPERATOR PO 1ST CLASS (SEAL) JESSE D. PITTMAN rest in peace and you find comfort in knowing that he is.My thoughts and prayers are with JESSE and your family.Thank You American HERO!! ~GOD BLESS~

Joe & Laura Rodriguez

August 13, 2011

For everything you did and stood for I thank you. You are truly a hero of the United States Of America. Our prayers go out to your family.

The S&S Schock Family

August 12, 2011

To the Family of Jesse D Pittman
My deepest sympathy for the loss of Your HERO. May He Rest In Eternal Peace. May God give You comfort during this difficult time. Sincerely

SCOTT CHAMBERLAND

August 12, 2011

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

MacDaniel

August 12, 2011

I know there are no words to say at this time, except how sorry that I am. I truly feel your loss and pain. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. Jesse will never be forgotten.

For you every single soldier
Those who served so honorable
Your life was forever altered
While I’m home safe and free
I stand with grateful admiration
I stand respectful and so proud
I know I’m only a civilian
And I don’t even know if it’s allowed

But I salute you; allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
Even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
My humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.
I salute you.

For those missing in action;
for those who didn’t make it home.
I know you’re in God’s presence you are not alone.
For every neatly folded flag;
for every shattered family
I will do the only thing I know to dignify your memory.

I salute you, allow me the honor
to salute you with permission let me say
even though I hold no rank know that from my heart
my humble gratitude comes from the deepest part.

I salute you.

I Salute You.


Suzanne MacDaniel - A Proud Aunt
Colonie, NY
SGT. David M. Fisher
KIA 12/1/04 - Iraq

Showing 1 - 86 of 86 results

Make a Donation
in Jesse Pittman's name

Memorial Events
for Jesse Pittman

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Jesse's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Jesse Pittman's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more