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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

John P. Jessup

 

John, age 70 of Wilmington, DE passed away peacefully on May 1, 2018 at his home surrounded by family. He was born in Wallace, Idaho on April 28, 1948, son of the late Paul and Mary (Ramstedt) Jessup. After spending his childhood in Bronxville, NY he attended the University of North Carolina on a full athletic scholarship where he met his future wife of 43 years Melissa (Ogle) Jessup.  After graduation, he earned an MBA as a Babcock scholar from Wake Forest University.

John joined DuPont in 1974 where he had a distinguished 33-year career with assignments in corporate, business and international finance culminating is his 2006 retirement as Vice-President and Treasurer. He also served for 10 years on the Board at Longwood Gardens chairing their investment committee.  His career at DuPont offered his family the opportunity to live in Japan and Canada, which furthered his fondness for travel and understanding of different cultures.

John was a gifted athlete, earning NY high school all-state honors in three sports, a record-holding shot putter at UNC and a passionate tennis player/captain in his adult life. His tennis serve is legendary at the Greenville CC.  His was an avid fan for all UNC sports and his childhood heroes, the New York Yankees.

He will be remembered for his huge heart as well as his physical presence. He had a wise and gentle demeanor whose kindness, generosity of spirit and friendship touched so many throughout his life. The grace, courage and strength he exhibited in his last months was indicative of his character.

John was predeceased by his sister, Diana “Kuck” Duodo of Venice, Italy. He is survived by his wife Melissa; his son Paul Jessup of Atlanta, GA; his daughter and son-in-law Mary and Dave Garzoli of Plainville, MA; his granddaughter Sophia; his nephews Patrick and Alessandro Duodo of Venice, Italy; his niece Shravana Ogle of Gainesville, FL and his nephew William “Bo” Ogle of Oakland, CA.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the Helen Graham Cancer Center and the staff at Delaware Hospice for their competent and compassionate care.

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service at Westminster Presbyterian Church located at 1502 W. 13 Street, Wilmington on Monday, May 7, at 11:00 am. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to either Delaware Hospice (16 Polly Drummond Center, 2nd floor, Newark, DE  19711) or the Helen Graham Cancer Center (13 Reads Way Suite 203, New Castle, DE  19720) in his memory.

 

Funeral Services

 

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service at Westminster Presbyterian Church located at 1502 W. 13 Street, Wilmington on Monday, May 7, at 11:00 am. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to either Delaware Hospice (16 Polly Drummond Center, 2nd floor, Newark, DE  19711) or the Helen Graham Cancer Center (13 Reads Way Suite 203, New Castle, DE  19720) in his memory.

 

 

Condolences

    Richard Wilson lit a candle and writes,
    I had the great pleasure of being John’s roommate at UNC and a team mate on the track team. My fondest memory was when John and I qualified to participate in the Milrose Games at Madison Square Garden and we stayed at John’s home in New York and I got to meet his family, who treated me like I was part of their family.
    05/03/2018 07:48 pm
    Barbara Castore writes,
    We were greatly saddened to hear of the passing of our dear friend “Big John”. His beautiful smile would light up the room. He always had a kind word for everyone. We know he will be greatly missed by all especially the light of his life Melissa, but all the many fond memories you have of John will keep his memory alive forever. We are keeping you,Melissa and your entire family in our thought and prayers. God Bless Frank and Barbara
    05/04/2018 07:56 am
    Rich sarnese writes,
    A fine buggy bear type guy among the gargoyle stiffs in corporate. Always willing to take time for employees
    05/04/2018 08:17 am
    Barbara Monaghan lit a candle and writes,
    We are sorry for your loss. He was a really nice guy. And will be very much missed. Barbara R Monaghan
    05/04/2018 12:30 pm
    Douglas Weir writes,
    John Jessup's family, I worked for John as a Business Analyst, when he was with Ag products. He was a great boss. I did not know how much we had in common. I grew up about 1/2 mile from Bronxville (New York). Since I lived in Yonkers, I attended Roosevelt High School. I am currently retired, and live about 40 miles from John's birth place of Wallace, Idaho. Doug Weir Hayden, ID
    05/04/2018 05:36 pm
    Ann Ashmore writes,
    Dear Melissa and family, Please know you are in my thoughts and on my heart as you grieve the loss of your beloved John. Love, Ann A.
    05/05/2018 07:29 am
    Ann Ashmore lit a candle and writes,
    Dear Melissa and family, Know you all are in my prayers and on my heart as you grieve the loss of your beloved John. Love, Ann
    05/05/2018 07:34 am
    Jerry & Ferne Hale writes,
    We were blessed to have been John and Melissa's next door neighbors in Chadds Ford for several years after their return from Japan and to watch their children Paul and Mary grow into fine young adults. John will be remembered as a "larger than life" person--in his career, in his neighboring and sincere friendship, in his athletics (Yes, that serve WAS intimidating!). We were able to spend some time with John in his waning days: his body had declined but his spirit was alive and well and his words of acceptance and peace were inspiring in a lasting way. Gracious through all of cancer's trials, John set an example of how to deal with the inevitable. We will miss him here on earth, but expect Heaven's finances and investments to soon benefit from his arrival in that eternal community and competition on the courts to surge! John, you were much like a "Red Solo Cup" to us: you lifted us up. Thank you for being our friend!
    05/05/2018 10:52 am
    Jane and Cameron Martin lit a candle and writes,
    Melissa, we are so very sorry to hear of John's passing. You have our deepest sympathy. I worked with John on the board of GCC and I was so impressed with how considerate, kind, wise, and smart he was. Cam and I had tremendous respect for John. We will miss seeing him at the club. Fondly, Cam and Jane Martin
    05/05/2018 12:12 pm
    Tina Ross Derke writes,
    I worked with John at Dupont many years ago when I first started working there. John was a great guy. Very kind and friendly. Always had fond memories of working with him. My condolences to his family. May your memories help you through this very difficult time.
    05/06/2018 02:23 pm
    Sally Buttner lit a candle and writes,
    Melissa, I am so very sorry to hear this news. I had so much respect for John at DuPont. He was indeed warm and friendly--with a wonderful sense of humor. I was always glad when you and John and I happened to be at the same service at Westminster. With love, Sally Buttner (was Brunner)
    05/06/2018 02:28 pm
    Spencer & Debbie Kiernan writes,
    Melissa, We were very saddened to hear of John's passing. He was always fun to be around and will be greatly missed. Please know you are in our thoughts today and always.
    05/07/2018 03:42 pm
    Steve Putnam lit a candle and writes,
    I had the privilege and pleasure of working for John at DuPont for a number of years when he was our Treasurer. Those were the best of days, mainly because of him. When someone that outstanding leads a whole organization everything goes more smoothly and efficiently each and every day--and we had fun whenever possible! It takes an extraordinary person to full that off, but John made it look easy. As I advance in years I wonder more and more how I would conduct myself if I suddenly received a dire diagnosis. Now I know what I would strive for. John will be my guiding North Star in good times and bad. He was and always will be a truly Larger than Life man and spirit!
    05/16/2018 12:36 pm
    Brittney Ridgeway lit a candle and writes,
    Dear Paul and Mrs. Jessup, I’m beyond saddened by this truly deep lost. Mr. Jessup is a purely kind soul. We are all very lucky to have shared this magical time with him on earth. I still remember how welcomed and loved he made me feel beginning the moment he and I first met in Atlanta, Georgia for a fun day out with the family. You all will be in my prayers. I’m sending blessings to all of you. With love and gratitude, Brittney Ridgeway
    07/02/2018 08:47 am

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