On December 6,1945 in Lexington, NC, a true hero was born. That person came to be known and loved as Jesse James Coleman, Sr. Never meeting a stranger and a friend to all, it's not surprising that Jesse was well respected and admired by many.


Jesse spent his childhood in Lexington and was a proud graduate of Dunbar High school, Class of 1964. In his young adult years, Jesse met and married his high school sweetheart, Laura Belle Burgess, with whom he shares two children, Renee and Jesse, Jr. Upon graduating, Jesse joined the United States Air Force, serving his country for 26 years and retiring in August of 1990 as a Master Sargent. Jesse traveled the world with assignments/tours: Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX, Minot AFB in Grand Forks, ND, DaNang, Vietnam, McDill AFB in Tampa, FL, Lajes Field AFB in Azores, Portugal, Tinker AFB in Midwest City, OK, Torrejon AFB in Madrid, Spain, and Lowery AFB in Denver, CO. Jesse courageously served in combat during the Vietnam War and received numerous medals and awards in recognition of his bravery and commitment.


Over the past 32 years, Newark, Delaware held a special place in his heart. After retirement from the military, Jesse furthered his education at Wilmington College, where he earned a Bachelor's of Art in Behavioral Science in 1994 and a Masters of Science in Community Counseling in 1997. Jesse went on to be a faculty member at Hodgson Vocational High School and a counselor at the University of Delaware.


Jesse set the standard for being a role model and was the example of a hardworking, dedicated man. He was an excellent protector, leader and provider. Jesse was everyone's handy man. He could repair or build anything, and because of him, we all know to find the "stud in the wall" before hanging pictures. He lived his life boldly and with pure intentions. He was an example to others of how to enjoy every moment life has to offer.


He was a proud veteran, displaying his extensive collection of baseball caps and tee shirts any chance he could. Jesse had a love for music and cultivated his granddaughters' interests in vinyl records, jazz and the blues. As a lifelong sports fan, Jesse found joy in refereeing basketball games and being a baseball umpire, even serving as a coach for his children during their childhood. Jesse was a Tarheel super fan. He could often be found in his favorite recliner cheering on the UNC basketball team.


Jesse enjoyed having his family share in his love for the outdoors. Whether on his boat fishing in the Chesapeake Bay, tending to his vegetable garden, manicuring the yard or stacking wood in the middle of the summer, "Pee Wee," as he was affectionately called, stayed busy. He embraced the job of being the family photographer, capturing moments with loved ones near and far.


He always made sure there was a grill close by and was readily prepared to cook amazing meals for his loved ones. As the self proclaimed best chef in the family, you could always expect the menu to be packed with delicious food that he took extra care in preparing.


Jesse never delayed being present for his family. His surprise road-trips to visit were something he enjoyed most. If you knew Jesse, Sr., you can attest that no road-trip was complete until he had his Lexington barbecue, pork skins and Cheerwine. With such a big heart and genuine spirit, he was everyone's "person," always willing to lend a hand. Acts of service fulfilled him. Although his family was miles away in North Carolina, Georgia and Florida, he took pride in making great ventures across the east coast to see his family and do all that he could to create fond memories with them.


Knowing that his family was able to stand strong on the valuable lessons in life, hard work and love that he shared, Jesse, Sr. transitioned from labor to reward on August 17, 2022 surrounded by loved ones.


He was proceeded in death by his mother, Willie Mae Coleman; his wife, Janice Jordan Coleman and his brother, Charles MacArthur "Jug" Coleman.


Jesse was a vault of knowledge and he leaves a grieving family to carry on his legacy, including his life partner, Cheryl Fields Clary and dog Simba of the home, his daughter, Lora Renee Alexander (James)of Raleigh, NC; his son, Jesse Coleman, Jr. of Miami FL; his granddaughters: Tiara Williams (Joshua) of Tampa FL, Lauran "Twigs" Coleman (Jerry) of High Point, NC and Addea Coleman of Orlando, FL; his great grands: Terrion, Emeri, Aeris, Bella and a great grandson to arrive in October; a sister, Linda Sue Gunn of Columbus, GA; a brother, Leroy "Ted" Coleman (Diane) of Lexington, NC; a sister-in-law, Shirley Coleman also of Lexington, NC; special twin nieces, Madeline Boykin and Frances Street; a special daughter and grandson, Koryn Fields and Xzavier Tibbs, along with a host of nephews, nieces, family members, friends and colleagues.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that you consider making a donation to:

A Veteran's Dream Ron's Brigade Donation
MSGT Mitch Gauge c/o
A Veterans Dream
1372 Alley Mill Road
Clayton, DE 19938
Memo Line: MSGT Jesse J. Coleman, USAF Ret.