Jessie J. Petree

Jessie J. Petree, 98, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 1. Born in Fonde, KY, he moved to Toledo with his wife, Lillian (Rene), in 1946. He worked at the Autolite and later as a union steward, a rough carpenter and yard foreman for Scholz Homes Inc. for 28 years until they closed.

Jessie proudly served his country in World War II as an Army Staff Sergeant. He was a Screaming Eagle in the 101st Airborne Company (Paratrooper) and received several honors for serving in Britain, France and Germany. His mother was served a Purple Heart and told he was killed in action, but later received a letter from him as he recovered from wounds received in Holland. Jessie recently was visited by Lieutenant Colonel Jos Groen of the Netherlands military, who has written books about the Screaming Eagles. He wanted to thank Jess for his service and talk with him about his experiences.
Jess is listed and his photo is in Groen's newest book.

Jessie always looked at things through "rose-colored" glasses; looking for the positive in all things. He had a real "gift-of-gab" and he never met a stranger. Everyone loved him. Even the bank tellers say he was their favorite and ask about him often. In earlier years he loved to fish and play cards at his cottage in the Irish Hills. He also enjoyed carpentry as a hobby and bowling. He bowled on senior leagues for 25 years and once participated in an event with pro-bowlers.

Visually impaired, he moved to Elizabeth Scott Community where he quickly made friends. There, he was able to fish with his son, play bingo and go on field trips, and though visually impaired, he never let his disability stop him from doing things and having fun. The residents there loved it when he played Amazing Grace on his harmonica for them or sang. He loved to show people his tomato plants in the box garden there. Eventually he became totally blind and was unable to enjoy those things any longer, but he faced every challenge with optimism. The family wishes to thank all the staff of Elizabeth Scott who loved him and cared for him and to Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

Jessie was preceded in death by his parents, NannieBell, and George; brothers and sisters: Louis, Grace, Charlie, Maude, Rob, Fred and EB, ex-wife Lillian, and special friends Eleanor and Kathleen. Jessie was a wonderful and loving father and a good provider. He was dearly loved by his children and grandchildren. Surviving and left to cherish his memory are his children: Donald (Irene) Petree and Sharon (Sherri) (John) Fischer; grandchildren: Dawn Yates, Shannon Keil (Chris), Matt (Abby) Petree , Arianna (Jay) Anderson; Julie (Paul) Kinney, and Scott (Elizabeth) Fischer; 16 great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and special niece Lisa and nephews Mike and Ray.

When Sherri asked him, "What is the one thing that you would like people to know about you?" he replied, "that I loved my family, and I hope I was a good father". Perhaps that is why he was rewarded with such a long and good life!

Visitation at Newcomer Funeral Home on Laskey Road will be on Monday, May 8 from 2-7 p.m. and funeral services at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. Donations in his memory made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio would be greatly appreciated.

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