James Ernest Jessee – age 89 of Maynardville, passed away peacefully Saturday, May 14, 2016 at Tennova North Hospital. He was a lifelong and oldest member of Hickory Valley Baptist Church, a third generation deacon, Sunday School teacher, church clerk and treasurer. Ernest was a lifelong farmer and raised registered Shorthorn Beef Cattle. He was a World War II veteran and served in the Philippines and Japan. He was a former director of The Farm Bureau and Tri-State Tobacco Warehouse and a member of the Tennessee and American Shorthorn Association.

Ernest is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Evaline Jessee; daughters, Camille Jessee of Elizabethton and Catherine (Gordon) Millsaps of Lynchburg, Tennessee; Grandson, Jessee Millsaps; sisters-in-law, Ruby Nell Jeter, Mary Carol Jeter and Lois Epperson; brother-in-law, Dan C. Jeter; cousin, Sidney Jessee; and special family friends, Reverend Willie and Judy Nicely, Glen Muncey and caregiver, Georgia Brantley.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 17, 2016 in the Trinity Funeral Home Chapel. The funeral service to immediately follow at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Johnnie Beeler and Reverend Willie B. Nicely officiating. Interment to follow in Braden Cemetery with Military Rights to be performed by Tri-County Honor Guard. Memorial donations can be made to Hickory Valley Baptist Church in care of Linda Sizemore, 239 Black Fox Road, Washburn, Tennessee 37888 or to Braden Cemetery, in care of Nealie Grizzell, 320 Pecan Circle, Corryton, Tennessee 37721. Trinity Funeral Home, LLC, Maynardville, has the honor to serve the family of Ernest Jessee. 865-992-5002 www.trinityfuneralhome.net