Jesse Jerome Harrison, Jr.

September 15, 1953 ~ June 4, 2023 (age 69)

Jesse J Harrison Jr, 69, of South Bend, IN, passed away on Sunday, June 4th, at Saint Joseph Hospital following an extended illness. He was surrounded by family and friends.

Nicknamed “Shadow” at an early age, he was born to Jesse Sr and Ruby Jo Harrison on September 15, 1953, in South Bend. Jesse grew up on Chicago St in an area affectionately known as “The Lake”. He attended Harrison Elementary School and graduated from Washington High School in 1972. He later served in the United States Navy from 1978 – 1979. Jesse worked for Wells Electronics, a variety of janitorial/maintenance companies and retired from his true passion, interior and exterior house painting, in 2012.

Jesse loved fishing, playing pool, bowling and especially playing cards socializing with his friends. He also had an affinity for playing the lottery. He enjoyed spending time with his family, watching his favorite videos and playing music on his “boombox” while house painting.

Jesse was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse J Harrison Sr and Ruby Jo Harrison and a younger brother, Lawrence E. Harrison.

In November 2006 he married Deborah Walker-Jones, who survives. He leaves to cherish his memory seven children, Felicia Harrison of Minneapolis, MN, Jacquies Harrison, Rachel (Douglas Smith) Jones, Jesse Harrison III, Lakeisha Harrison, Marcus Harrison, of South Bend and Ashley Harrison of Mishawaka, IN. Also mourning his loss, five siblings, Charles (Pam) Harrison of Raleigh, NC, Casey (Deborah) Harrison, Lonnie Harrison, Delores Harrison and Marla Harrison, all of South Bend.

He was “Paw Paw” to 20 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Shelaine Hodges and brother-in-law, Joseph (Twiana) Walker Sr, a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Services will be held Monday, June 12, 2023, at Pentecostal Cathedral COGIC, 1025 Western Ave, South Bend, IN 46619. Visitation will begin at noon, services to follow at 1 pm. Alford’s Mortuary has been entrusted with his final arrangements.

06/13/2023 EJS