Jessie's life began June 6, 1950 , in Arkansas. He grew up in Arkansas and work brought him to Michigan where he made his home. Jessie worked as a truck driver and farmer raising vegetables and hogs. He loved everything about being outside; riding his tractor, cutting firewood, hunting, and raising his animals. If Jessie wasn't home farming you could find him taking his dog for a drive to the gas station for a treat.

Jessie leaves behind a large loving family who will miss his story telling and inaccurate weather forecasting abilities including: four children Aaron Stanford of Benton Harbor, Darrel (Lesley) Stanford of Watervliet, Chrystal (Junior) Neal of Flint, and Jason Stanford of Watervliet; 13 grandchildren Tyler (Lauren) Jackson, Kelson Johnson, Paul (Autumn) Stanford, Jessie Stanford, Michael Stanford, Derrick Stanford, Shanyia Stanford, Janessa Stanford, Christopher Stanford, Tyler Spoonhold, Mikayla Smith, Caylee Ramos, and Austin Ramos; four great grandchildren; two siblings Lilly Golden of Arkansas and Isom (Wanda) Stanford of Vandalia, Michigan; and many nieces and nephews.

Jessie died Monday, November 16, 2020 at home. A grandchild Jase Stanford, his parents Bud and Ollie Stanford, and four siblings Robert Stanford, Stella Flowers, Fanny Thomas, and Junior Stanford precede Jessie in death. Friends may visit with Jessie's family Friday, November 20, 2020 , from 1:30 to 3:00 at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet. Cremation will follow his visitation. You are invited to leave a message of comfort for Jessie's family.