Jesse James Smith
September 10, 1946 - February 15, 2017

Jesse James Smith passed peacefully early Wednesday morning February 15, 2017 at home surrounded by his wife Pat, children and mother.

Jesse was born September 10, 1946 in Allensworth, California. Jesse was the oldest of seven children born to John and Ruth Smith. In 19¬¬56 his parents packed up the children in the back of a pick-up truck, and moved the family from Allensworth to Los Angeles. There he attended school, graduated from Jordan High School, and was baptized at Miramonte Seven Day Adventist Church.

In the early 60's Jesse met Pat and fell deeply in love. Shortly after meeting Pat, Jesse was drafted to serve his country in The United States Army. He attended boot camp in Fort Knots, Kentucky and spent 18 months in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged February 14, 1968.

After coming home from the service, and working for a while, Jesse decided to take a break and visit his father in Seattle. After a couple of weeks, Jesse began to relax; he found peace and started enjoying the beauty of Seattle, and he wanted to share it with the love of his life. It wasn't hard to convince Pat to visit Seattle, and before long Pat was calling home, saying she was getting married and they were staying in Seattle, which didn't go over well with Pat's family. However after a visit from her family they decided to let her stay.

Jesse and Pat were married for over 43 years. The success of their long-time partnership was based on family first, hard work, trust and coming together as a team.

Jesse was a hard worker; he worked for General Disposal as a sanitation engineer, where he met many longtime friends, and retired after 32 years.

Jesse had many interests, one which included helping Pat with her many hobbies. Pat would start a project knowing she couldn't handle it on her own, and Jesse would quickly come to her rescue (teamwork). For example the kitchen project, Jesse had no choice but to jump in and be that team player. Pat had Jesse tearing down and installing new cabinets, and knocking down walls. He would do anything for Pat and his girls. Known for his barbecue, we all looked forward to him pulling out that pit; rain or shine, snow, it didn't matter. Jesse's love for music helped him get the party going. Every Friday for years he would stop by the record store after work to buy records, and later CD's from all genres. His collection wasn't very organized, but he knew where everything was. If you asked for it, he would disappear and come back with your request. Family and friends will forever remember the songs he played, and the way they made them feel.

Jesse enjoyed sports; he played softball for many years. In 1972 he started bowling. He bowled with various leagues, and his favorite teams were The Kings & Queens and The Early Birds. Jesse continued to bowl until his health prevented him from participating.

Jesse was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather; he was godfather to Demetrius Berteaus, Dominque & Lamont Magnusohn. Jesse was the favorite uncle to many nieces and nephews, "grandpa" to the neighborhood children, and a loyal neighbor to the residents on 59th Ave South. Jesse's father, John Smith, and siblings, Reuben and John Smith Jr. preceded him in passing.

To cherish his precious memory, Jesse leaves his wife Pat; two beautiful daughters, Shalawn J'trice Smith and Leslee Ruby Smith (Antione); a loving granddaughter, Saniya; grandsons Jacarri and Khalil; his mother, Ruth Golliday of Los Angeles; sisters, Rhoda Franklin and Deborah Smith of Los Angeles; brothers, Robert and Larry (Joan) Smith of Seattle Washington, and a host of many relatives and friends. Jesse will be remembered for his laughter and fun personality.

We will carry Jesse in our hearts forever. Like the lyrics to one of his favorite songs, "Lover you've gone from me, and left behind so many memories... so many memories."

Funeral Services
Sunday February 26, 2017
11:00AM
Evergreen Washelli
11111 Aurora Ave N
Seattle, WA 98133

Interment:
Monday, February 27,2017
Tahoma National Cemetery
18600 SE 240th St
Kent, Wa.98042

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