TUPPER LAKE

William Kenneth Jessie , 85, of Piercefield, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, at his home, March 14, 2012.
Born October 1, 1926, in Tupper Lake, William was the son of Ernest & Grace (Peck) Jessie. He married Glorya Zande in 1949.
Bill entered the U.S. Army in 1948 and served for 2 years when he was medically discharged due to what became a lifelong illness. Bill worked as a building contractor until he began his own business of Jessie & Horan. He was an active man, participating in the Tupper Lake Baseball League, which he continued to play until his 50's, The Tupper Lake Bowling League & bowled for many years. The Tupper Lake Golf League, which he was active in until he was well into his 80's. Golf was his passion as he was a member of the Men’s 6-Man team several times & he was very proud of his 2 hole-in-ones. Bill also coached an undefeated Women’s Softball Team, that his daughter’s were a part of, for several years. He ran the outdoor skating rink in downtown Tupper Lake also for many years. He enjoyed hiking & the outdoors always & was famous for his lawn, pond & garden. He specialized in his gladiolas, which he shared with his dialysis team, the ladies of the Postal Service, family & many others.
He is survived by his companion of many years, Judith Courtney & his 4 loving daughters, Lisl & Jeffrey Tedford of Bloomingdale, NY, Gia & Carl Demarais of Angier, N.C., Tina Jessie of Tupper Lake, Gaye & John O’Neil of Bloomingdale, NY and Judith’s family ; Richard Courtney of California & John Courtney of Parishville, NY, her 3 daughters, Lynn Courtney of Ohio, Debbie Courtney Ball of Canton, NY & Deanna Courtney of Tupper Lake & his brother, Ernest & his wife Rita Jessie, 16 Grandchildren & 3 Great Grandchildren, & several nieces & nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his son David of New Mexico, his brothers Vincent Jessie & Robert Jessie & his sisters, Elizabeth ( Demars) & Fern ( Mazur).
Calling hours are scheduled for Monday, March 19th from 2 to 4 pm followed by a funeral service at the Stuart- Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Tupper Lake. A reception will follow at the V.F.W. hall.
Memorial donations may be made to High Peaks Hospice or AMC Dialysis Center. Online condolences may be made at www.stuartfortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.

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