Jesse Dean James, of Hoopa, passed away on November 26, leaving behind a legacy of service, dedication and unwavering commitment to his community and his faith.

Jesse spent many years working for various entities within the Hoopa Tribal businesses, always striving to contribute to the growth and well-being of his people. His work later expanded beyond the valley when he became a recruitment officer for TCCC and Americorps. In this role, Jesse excelled at bringing young adults from across the nation to join a supervised crew devoted to community service. Through his leadership, countless young people earned certificates that helped them pursue higher education, new opportunities and stronger futures. His achievements garnered national recognition, and Jesse was honored in Washington, DC, with an award celebrating his remarkable recruitment strides and impact across the country. He later led the Americorps program until he later found a new stride working for his tribe.

Despite his responsibilities, Jesse made time for those who looked up to him. Known to many as an uncle, he offered guidance when it was needed most, sharing knowledge, stories and humor with a sincerity that made people feel seen and valued.

His involvement in his culture and ceremonies was a meaningful part of his life, where he supported the dances and upheld traditions in ways that were uniquely his own, from Medildin to Sregon and everywhere in between.

Jesse’s commitment extended deeply into his spiritual path. After joining the 1910 Shaker faith, he traveled far and wide — throughout California, Oregon, Washington and even into Canada — praying, learning and strengthening his connection to the Creator. His journeys were not only expressions of devotion but also opportunities to build relationships, offer support and grow his own understanding.

Jesse was known for being stern and straightforward, a man who spoke with intention and never wasted words. Yet those who knew him understood the heart behind his honesty. His presence carried weight, his guidance carried purpose, and his love for his people carried through everything he did.

His family, friends and community will greatly miss him, but the lessons he shared, the work he accomplished, will continue to echo long after his passing. Jesse’s life was one of service, strength and spirit — one that touched many, and one that will not be forgotten.

Jesse is preceded in death by his mother, Esther; father, Paul; brother, Paul Jr.; sister, Snickles; niece Cassie; his cherished aunts and uncles Dodo, Cuddles, Becky, Lorita, Bunzy, Willie, Mathew, Jimmy, Skippy and Dave.

Grandparents: Jimmy and Josie James, Frank and Lila Colegrove.

Jesse is survived by his Uncle Tweet & Marge Colegrove; aunts Noreen and Harold Jones, Patty James, Pat Colegrove; and the many he called his brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at K’ima:w and to Dr. Eva Smith for always being there for Jesse.

Pallbearers:

Honeyman Jackson
Dave Jackson
Manual Mattz
Tim Perry Jr
Thomas Perry
Everett Colegrove Sr
George Blake
Walt Lara Sr.
Harold Jones
Phillip Vigil
Rodney Vigil Sr.
George Moon
Mike Ferris
Rick Hall Sr.
Muss Colegrove
Frankie Hostler
Joe James
Trevor James
Rick Hall Jr.
Lance Hall
Mike Beck
Bradley Hostler
Eli Hostler
Sonny Dean
Joe Surber
Jackson Surber
Koo Man Lewis
Bronc Colegrove
Mussie Colegrove
Shawn Colegrove
Wyatt Colegrove
Willie Lamebear
Jr Bowen
Marty Lamebear
Landon Lamebear
Kayson Lamebear
Andy Lamebear
Alec Lamebear
Dewey Jones Sr.
Dewey Jones Jr.
Sonny Jones
Jimmy Jones
Pergish Carlson
Will Bear Carlson
Mike Carlson
Monte Jarnaghan
Rick Billings
Jake Blake
Caw-tep Sylvia
Lyle Moon
Frances Colegrove
Rudolph Colegrove
Terry Ballard
Wolf Colegrove
Panther Colegrove
Nolan Colegrove
Anthony Colegrove
Brandon Colegrove
Max Hodge
Gary Colegrove Jr.
Raymond Mcquillen
Julian Markussen
David Drake IV
Cogy McCovey
Curtis Hostler
Frank Hostler
Sonny Hescock
Oscar Colegrove
Leroy Baldy
Boyd Ferris
Decon Ferris
Kevin McConnell
Ben Spencer
Jesse McCovey
Damon Cross
Michael Gabriel
Cesar Kartaltepe
Sébastien Ferris
Lorenzo Rogers
Larry Maloney
Dominc Obie
Ralphy Peters
Bubba Sanchez
Bruz Aubrey
Tis Mil Ashley
Nano Ewing
Gary Ewing
Chris Lopez
Elrod Masten
Wally Gray
Harold Myers
Ricky Dowd
Paul Kuska
Shawn Tuner

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Jesse Dean James’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.