Jesse A. Tate Jr. ("Messy Jesse") born July 11, 1952 passed away peacefully at his home on July 9, 2015 after fighting many illnesses over the past several years.
Jesse is predeceased by parents Jesse A. Tate Sr. and Ruby Lee Tate, sisters Jessie Mae Tate and Delores Butler.
He is survived by his wife Monica Tate of 26 years, children Tamara Tate, Kieana Tate, Jesse A. Tate III and stepchildren Leonard Johansen, Thomas Johansen and Monique Dixon. He is survived by siblings Lewis Ward (Las Vegas), Lula Wallace (Mesa), Marilyn Barreras (Tucson), Carolyn Holmes (Flagstaff) and Ora Walker (Colorado). He is also survived by many grandchildren whom he cherished, many nieces and nephews and so many friends.
Jesse attended Lura Kinse and South Beaver elementary schools, graduating from Flagstaff High School in 1971. He joined the United States Army, stationed out of Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He served overseas in Germany from 1973-1975. Upon his return he went on to gainful employment opportunities in the Flagstaff area such as Coconino National Forest Service, City of Flagstaff and Flagstaff Public Schools to name a few. Throughout the years Jesse became a beloved citizen in the community with his warm felt and joyous personality. Over the years he gained many friends whom he loved dearly. Jesse enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, watching westerns but most of all he loved his sports. Hesse will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Your family loves, cherishes and honors your, rest in peace.
Jesse was cremated on July 20, 2015 at Heritage Chapel in Peoria, AZ. A memorial service will be held at Norvel Owens Mortuary Friday, August 7, 2015 at 1pm, following will be burial with Military Honors at Citizens Cemetery. Reception is TBD