Harvey William Jessum

Harvey William Jessum was born in Jamaica, New York on November 16th, 1927. A child born into the Great Depression, Harvey was the middle of three, preceded in death by his older sister Ruth Helgeson and his younger brother Richard Jessum. Raising a family in Glen Cove, NY, Harvey worked as a middle school teacher in the public school system. He is survived by his three children, Maria Melkonoff, Denise Barth and John Jessum and by six grandchildren, Natalie, Dylan, Molly, Dustin, Emily and Sophia. Harvey lost his mother at the age of 8 and was raised by his sister Ruth and Aunts. He went on to serve in WWII as part of the occupation force in Germany and after his service, returned to complete his High School education, where he met and eventually married his first wife, Marilyn. Harvey was a master at marshalling neighborhood kids to help work around his house and left a wide path of friendship wherever he traveled. He biked extensively, remained active for most his life and could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. He settled in Santa Barbara, California, 20 years ago declaring it the best place on Earth to settle. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was an avid lawn bowler, and volunteered at the local food bank, and Santa Barbara Hospice. He also worked as a volunteer at the A. C. Postel Rose Garden, where he was able to indulge his passion of gardening.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to:
Food From the Heart
PO Box 3908
Santa Barbara, CA 93130

Hospice of Santa Barbara
2050 Alameda Padre Serra, Ste. 100
Santa Barbara, California 93103
American Heart Association