Deacon Jesse James Jr., 91, of Steubenville, Ohio, transitioned from labor to reward on Saturday, July 25, 2026, surrounded by his beautiful wife and loved ones.

Though his transition leaves a great void in the lives of his family, we come together in unity to express not only our sorrow, but also our gratitude for the life he lived and the many lives he touched. His legacy of love, faith, family, hard work, and devotion will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Jesse was the oldest child born to the union of Jesse James Sr. and Rossie Bell Harris James on November 6, 1934, in Dougherty County (Albany), Georgia. He was one of ten children. In his late teenage years, Jesse moved to Steubenville, Ohio, where he would make his home and build a life centered around faith, family, and community.

Jesse was a dedicated and hardworking man who served many years at the Koppers Steel Mill in Follansbee, West Virginia. In 1961, he united in marriage with the love of his life, Gwendolyn L. McKinney of Steubenville, Ohio. God blessed their union with eight children. Jesse and Gwen shared 68 beautiful years together, creating a legacy of love and devotion that will forever be cherished by their family.

Jesse was preceded in death by his grandparents; his parents, Jesse James Sr. and Rossie Bell Harris James Thomas; his son, Alphonso James; his daughter, Roxeve James; his brothers, Benjamin Thomas, Melvin Thomas, Dallas Thomas, Lester Carl Thomas, and Severa James; and his sisters, Wonza Yates, and Ruby Wilson.

Jesse leaves to cherish his precious memory his beautiful and devoted wife, Gwendolyn L. James; six children: Jesse James III of Ohio; Aphynna James; Rodney (Katina) James of Steubenville, Ohio; Metta (Joe) McNeill of Holly Springs, North Carolina; Deborah James of Fayetteville, North Carolina; and Alicia James of Augusta, Georgia.

He also leaves nine grandchildren: LaNée (Norries) Hood Sr. of Cleveland, Ohio; Jerome (Racquel) Holmes Jr. of Holly Springs, North Carolina; Salém James of Washington; LaShaude (Dorianna) James of San Antonio, Texas; Jessica Pulliam of Augusta, Georgia; ShaKoya James of Steubenville, Ohio; Tomara Pulliam Jr. of Steubenville, Ohio; Leyah James of Steubenville, Ohio; and Rodney James Jr. of Steubenville, Ohio.

His legacy continues through his eight great-grandchildren: KJ Holmes III, Justice James, Caleb Holmes, Kaiden Mendenhall, Champion James, Savannah Holmes, Yahiym Pulliam, and Lucas Mendenhall.

He is also survived by two siblings, Betty (James) Peterson and Laura Thomas, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, and loved ones who will forever cherish the memories they shared with him.

Deacon Jesse James Jr. lived a life that mattered. He was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend, and man of faith whose presence brought strength and love to those around him. While our hearts are heavy with grief, we find comfort in knowing that his earthly journey is complete and that his labor has not been in vain.

His memory will remain a blessing, his legacy will continue through generations, and the love he gave will never be forgotten.

Well done, good and faithful servant.Rest from your labor, and take your eternal reward.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12:00 noon at the Gregory-Martin Funeral Home, Steubenville Chapel. Bishop Jermaine V. Moore Sr. will deliver the eulogy. Interment will take place at Union Cemetery.

Professional services have been entrusted to Gregory-Martin Funeral Home. For additional information, please call the funeral home at (740) 282-1234.