William Kenneth (Jesse) James passed away on Feb. 7, 2021. He was born and raised in West Virginia. Jesse worked for the railroad and was always willing to talk about trains. He moved to Seaford with his young family after serving in the Army in Korea, and began working for Bell Atlantic, now Verizon.
He is most remembered for his teasing, ornery personality and his love for ice cream. He was known by many of his great-grandchildren as “Ice Cream Granddaddy”.
Jesse was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Joan Phares, his parents Claude and Gadie James, and a grandson, Lt. Cpl. Rick James. He is survived by his children, Joyce (Rick) Urgo, Jan (Ed) Griffin and Kenny “Jake” (Carol) James; seven grandchildren, Tracey Galloway, Amy Lingham, Tina Gorman, Josh Griffin, Jeff James, Amanda Griffin and Jon James; eleven great-grandchildren, with one on the way; and his longtime companion, Nancy Sullivan.
Arrangements for burial at the Veterans Cemetery in Millsboro are being handled by Cranston Funeral Home and per his preference, there will be no ceremony.