Jesse Cox Jr

Jesse C. Cox, Jr. passed away on January 11, 2018, peacefully in his home with his wife, and best friend, Sharon by his side. Jesse was born in Douglasville, Georgia on March 31, 1944. Jesse was a pillar to his community as he had the opportunity to touch many lives throughout his years in education. He had a deep passion for singing and if you knew him, he would always play 60s music over and over again while driving in his immaculate, always maintained cars. Before getting into the education field, Jesse served our country from 1962-1966 in the armed forces where he was honorably discharged from the Air Force.

Jesse was a proud educator who never stopped teaching. Lessons were continued outside the classroom. Whether it was teaching or learning, it was an ongoing quest to grow not only for himself, but others around him. Jesse received his Master’s in Education from Central Washington University in 1979. As an educator with the Yakima School District for 30 years, he held a variety of positions ranging from teacher, counselor, and principal to director level positions in operations and administration. Jesse served as the Yakima Police and Fire Civil Service Commissioner for 15 years as a volunteer. He was also part of the Yakima Valley Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa. Jesse felt that he still wanted to give back to the community and so he then returned to work at the Kent Youth and Family Services.

Family and friends always said that Jesse never knew a stranger as he would strike up a conversation with anybody and treated everyone with the same compassion and care. Known for his quick wit and sense of humor, Jesse was always known to make people laugh, whether intentional or unintentional. Some of Jesse's hobbies included his affinity for the arts and his deep passion for golf.

Jesse is survived by his wife of 50 years, Sharon Cox, his daughter, Dawn Cox, his son J'son Cox, his grandson Jordan Cox-Smith, his brothers Terry (Billie) Cox, Ronny Cox, Jeffrey (Esperanza) Cox, Rex Cox, his sister Jenefier Cox-Gray and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom all loved him dearly and will cherish his memories. Jesse is preceded in death by his daughter, Jeslyn Elaine Cox, his father Jesse C. Cox Sr. and his mother Bessie L. Cox.