Jesse L. Emery

Jesse L. Emery, 61, of Wilmington, NC passed away on June 11, 2024. He was born on September 5, 1962 in Westfield, NY to his parents, Clifford G. Emery, Jr. and Marilyn I. Menz Emery. He was named after his grandfather, Jesse Menz. Ironically, Jesse spent a lot of time with his grandfather and loved him very much.

As a child, Jesse spent every summer day at Mayville Lakeside Park for years. It was like a second home. His grandparents ran the concession stand and he took swimming lessons with Doc Malinowski. In the afternoon he played kickball, stole the flag, basketball, tennis and shuffleboard. He spent many nights with his cousins. Those were the best times for him.

Jesse was a competitive athlete. He played little competition as a child and excelled in athletics, basketball and tennis. His track team held the Westfield, NY school record for relay and went to state in 1978. He attended the NY City Basketball Camp and the Larry Weise Camp at St. Bonaventure. He was called Iceman because of his left-handed hookshot. You could see him running all the way from Westfield to Brocton with a basketball in his hand. He played basketball and then ran back. Jesse also enjoyed playing tennis with John Habjan, Mr. Young, Barb Stephenson, Andy Alonge and Michelle Alonge. Aunt Janet made a scrapbook of his athletic achievements.

At the age of 23, Jesse joined the United States Marine Corps and served for four years. He had a love of history and pride for our country. During his inspections he was careful with his uniform and rifle. Jesse was sent to dangerous areas of the world to rescue Terry Anderson in Beirut and locate Gaddafi in Libya. He also completed jungle training at Fort Sherman in Panama. He was always the first to volunteer and when others complained during training, he carried their backpacks too. One time he had to tie a rope around his waist, swim across the Panama Canal and tie the rope so his fellow Marines could reach the other side. Jesse spent six months in Okinawa, Japan, on Mount Fuji, for training. He was also in Benidorm, Spain and Monaco, off the coast of the Mediterranean, where he got his famous Bugs Bunny and Tasmanian Devil tattoo. He was honored to meet General Kelly and shake hands with Ronald Reagan.

As a veteran, Jesse greatly appreciated his doctor, Thomas Marcinowski, and nurse, Ashley Weeks, who assisted him in his care and obtained all necessary medical supplies, Dr. Charkoudian who provided essential medical care with his vision, Erin Daniels’ medical care. team at DaVita Dialysis, and his caregivers, Aline, Sharon, Beth, Brooke and Robert. Jesse had several long hospital stays at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center and we are grateful for the care he received. We are especially grateful to his sister, Colleen Nelson-Cannon, for her support. She was instrumental in guiding his medical issues.

Jesse was a long-time member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Wilmington, NC. He enjoyed the powerful church messages, and he could often be seen breaking down in tears. He loved Reverend Arnold Griffin very much. He especially loved hearing the pastor sing “The King and I.” Jesse was told that he was an inspiration to many and that he loved all the church members at Fellowship Baptist Church. They helped him get to doctor’s appointments, helped him with his mobility at church and sent many cards and well wishes.

In addition to his many friends at church, Jesse was close to Bob and Melissa Johnston. Bob Johnston led Jesse to the Lord.

Jesse will be greatly missed by all who met him. He always had a story to tell, strongly expressed his political views, and continually praised our country and the sacrifices others made for our freedom. We will certainly miss that infectious smile.

In addition to his parents, Jesse is survived by a loving wife of 36 years, Theresa Marie Emery; son, Austin Emery; brothers, Brad Emery (Monica) and Gavin Emery; sisters, Denyiel Gelen (Jim), Colleen Nelson-Cannon (Tim) and Marcia Samonia (Mark); and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives.

A memorial service will be held at Freay Funeral Home in Mayville, NY on Friday, June 21, 2024 at 12:00 noon with Pastor Dan Prewitt officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service. Burial will follow in Mayville Cemetery. To leave a memory or send condolences to the family, please visit frayfuneral home.com