Obituary of John I. Jessmer

PITCAIRN – John I. Jessmer, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully at home on April 27th in East Pitcairn at the age of 82. John was born on February 9, 1935 in Potsdam, NY to late Florence (Cota) and the late John Jessmer. He graduated from Potsdam Central School and entered the United States Army in 1955 where he worked as a demolition man. He served his country until he was honorably discharged in 1958. He married Iva (Lenie) E. Law on September 27, 1956 at the Edwards United Methodist Church. They moved to East Pitcairn in the 1960's, residing there until his death. He worked construction for several companies in New York State as the demolition crew. He was considered one of the best skilled blasters in the area. In the early 1970's he formed and operated River Road Lumber in Edwards. His sons joined him a few years later in partnership building skid pallets and selling them to paper mills and various businesses. He retired in 2000 from the company when it closed. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, spending time at Blake Flow in Colton and later at Jones Pond in Edwards. He attended East Pitcairn Wesleyan Church in his earlier years. He was a devoted husband to his wife Lenie who was injured in a severe car accident in 1988. They were inseparable marking 60 years of marriage. John was survived by his wife, Iva E., who passed away two days later on April 29th. Survivors include two sons, Gary J. Jessmer of Oswegatchie, Larry (Densey) Jessmer of East Pitcairn, a half-sister, Dianne Dickson of Madrid, three grandchildren, John P. (Danielle) Jessmer of Pitcairn, Gary J. Jessmer of Georgia and Jill J. (Ryan) Limberg of San Diego. One great grandchild, Nathaniel Limberg of San Diego. He is also survived by one brother-in-law Philip (Gwen) Law of DePeyster, 3 sisters-in-law, Iris (Henry) Waugh of Talcville, Freida Snell of Canton, Doris (Renie) and Joe Durham of Fine, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and in-laws, a brother, Phillip Jessmer, a sister Jerry Ingraham, a brother-n-law Lyle Law, a sister-in-law Bonnie Lewis, and infant granddaughter Heidi Jessmer. Arrangements are with French Funeral Home in Edwards. Condolences may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com. At his request, there will be no calling hours. A joint graveside service with his wife will be held on Saturday, May 6th at 3:00 p.m.at the East Pitcairn Cemetery with Rev. John Putney officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to the Harrisville Volunteer Rescue Squad, PO Box 51, Harrisville NY 13648. There will be a memorial/reception combined with the Law Family Reunion held in July at Gouverneur Recreation Park.