LANCASTER, SC – Mr. John Lewis Jessee, age 55, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 15, 2026, at MUSC Health Columbia Medical Center. Born on July 6, 1970, he was the son of the late Sonny Fowler and the late Sue Roberts Jessee, and the deeply loved husband of Leslie Brooke West Jessee.

A man who truly cherished life's simple pleasures, John found his greatest happiness in the warmth of his family, the companionship of his faithful dog, "Rocky," and quiet days at the beach. He possessed a sharp mind and an open heart, expressing his passions as an avid movie and gun enthusiast, as well as a dedicated student of Bible history. John was a member of First Freewill Baptist Church in Chester.

John honorably dedicated over 20 years of service to his country in the United States Army and Army Reserves. Following his military career, he brought that same dedication to his civilian work, spending many years as a valued employee at ATI in Richburg. Above all, John possessed a rare and special gift for laughter; his infectious humor could brighten any room and leave an enduring mark of joy on everyone he met.

His legacy of love lives on through his devoted wife of 27 years, Brooke West Jessee; his two sons, Stephan Jessee and John Kohl Jessee; a brother, Boyd Jessee (Cindy); and a sister, Judy Bratcher (Rico). He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Barbara Long; brothers-in-law, Johnny Garner and Robert “Robbie” West; sisters-in-law, Sandy West, Shari Sanders, Kim Lennon, and Nikki Bratton (Greg); along with a large, cherished circle of nieces and nephews.

John was reunited in eternity with his parents, Sonny Fowler and Sue Jessee; his father-in-law, Robert West; and his sister, Cathy Garner.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Canaan Freewill Baptist Church, with the Rev. Mitch Gulledge and Rev. Hutch Hutchins officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Fort Jackson National Cemetery at 2:00 pm.

The family will receive friends and loved ones for visitation from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Burgess Funeral Home.

An online guest register is available for condolences on the obituaries page at www.burgessfunerals.com.

Burgess Funeral Home and Crematory of Lancaster is caring for the family of Mr. John Jessee.