Morris Michael Jessup

Morris Michael "Mike" Jessup, U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel (ret.) passed away, in Yuma, January 1, 2014. He was born October 8, 1932 in Okanogan, Washington, where he graduated from Washington High School. He attended Washington State University and was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity and the ROTC program. He graduated in 1956 with a B.A. degree in physical science and was a "Distinguished Military Graduate" of ROTC. Mike was a military pilot and served two tours in Viet Nam, one of which in 1963, he commanded a helicopter unit. He completed his military service as the Executive Officer of the Tropic Test Center in Panama. He worked the aftermath of the 1964 Good Friday Alaska earthquake as the Operations Officer for the 80th Helicopter Company. After 21 years and 23 moves in the military, he settled his family and retired in Yuma, AZ. After retiring from the Army, he and his wife, Sharon, had a successful floral craft and gift business for fifteen years. He was a longtime member of Yuma Kiwanis Club, MOA (Military Officers' Association), Yuma Historical Society, and Westerners (he was a western history buff). He was active in First Presbyterian Church and served as both an Elder and a Deacon. He helped organize Cub Scout Pack 55 (chartered by First Presbyterian Church and First United Methodist Church), and was active with the group for twenty one years. With his wife, he was involved many years with Girl Scout programs in Alaska, Panama and Yuma. He was a volunteer shuttle driver for Yuma Regional Medical Center, did research for the historical society, volunteered with both the Community Food Bank and Friends of the Library. Mike enjoyed many summers at the family cabin near Sun Valley, Idaho. He loved to fly fish for Rainbow Trout, was an avid bird watcher, loved to cook on the barbecue, liked playing with his computer, and was an avid reader. In his earlier years, he canoed, water skied, hunted with his sons, and enjoyed backpacking with his family. Mike is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sharon; one daughter, Jeannie Sylvester (Ricky) of Ft. Worth, Texas; three sons: Michael Jessup (Karen) of Leavenworth, Kansas, Morris Jessup (Ashley) of Scottsdale, Arizona; and Tim Saelens, of Chandler, Arizona. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Debbie Nelson; his mother Rachael Sharp; his father, George Jessup, and his step-father Ray Sharp. Mike was born with a cleft palate. Through the generosity of others and through many surgeries, it was corrected. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to "Smile Train", P.O. Box 6246, Washington D.C. 20090-6246 (www.SmileTrain.org).Smile Train is a charity organization that corrects (at no cost) cleft palates for needy children. Mike's memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 598 S. 7th Ave, Yuma, AZ Saturday, January 18 at 11 a.m. Please sign the guest book at www.yumasun.com/obituaries