Jesse Claude Cox
October 26, 1920 - December 2, 2004
Obituary
Jesse Claude Cox, age 84, passed away on Thursday, 12/02/04 in Renton. Jesse was born October 26, 1920 in Douglasville, GA to John Henry and Cora Hendrick Cox. Jesse came to Yakima, WA after serving 9 years in the Army-Air Corp. He worked in Construction on the dams on the Columbia River, Snake River and the Hanford Project. He then worked for the City of Yakima before moving to Renton, WA where he worked at Pacific Torque before retiring at the age of 82. He enjoyed his job and people associated with it. Jesse is survived by his 5 sons, Terry Billie, Jesse Sharon, Ronald, Jeffery Hope and Rex Cox; 2 daughters Jenefier Gray Melvin and Betty Martin Artis; 14 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; 8 great great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Jessie was preceded in death by his 1st wife, Bessie in 1976 and his 2nd wife, Eva in 1993. Visitation will be on Thursday, 12/09/04 from 12:00 Noon – 8:00 PM. Commemorative Ceremony will be held on Friday, 12/10/04 at 3:00 PM at BONNEY-WATSON Washington Memorial, 16445 International Blvd., SeaTac, WA 206 242-1787.
Jesse warmed our hearts every day.
When I bought Pacific Torque 18 years ago, Jesse was working here. He more or less came with the company – but he also guided the company. There was a time when things were slow and business was bad. Jesse had retired to take care of Eva. After she died he came back to work. I distinctly remember the change in the spirit of all the employees. He told me that working here was keeping him alive, but I knew that his working here was helping to keep us happy. He was so enjoyable to be around.
It didn’t matter what Jesse did here, deliver parts, clean, pack and ship parts. He always worked hard and was dedicated to the task at hand – and with a smile on his face. He was an inspiration to all.
Jesse was a gentleman that we all liked and admired. We will miss him greatly.
I came to know Jesse late in his life and sadly did not meet either of his wives. He did share memories of them with me and told me all sorts of stories about his life and his family. I hold nothing but fond memories of Jesse. I have missed him terribly since I left Pacific Torque, but I knew my father, Gary, and Joan would take care of him as they always did. He was surrounded by love and laughter. Even gentle teasing, forever reminding him to stay away from the microwave or his pacemaker was going to go awry. It never would have, his heart was guided by love, not by a piece of man made machinery. A great light has gone out with his passing, but I know where he went. When it’s my time, I expect he’ll be there to greet me, probably antagonizing my Dad as always. Until then, I’ll miss him and remember him always. I love you Jesse.
Jesse will be greatly missed.
I never met a nicer gentleman.
He was a friend to everyone and dearly loved. God Bless