Jesse Marion Gregory was born June 19, 1929 to Everett and Nettie Gregory and was one of eight children. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Donnie, Gerald, Arlene, Marie, Maxine, Jimmy, and Gene. Jesse departed this life at the age of 94 on Christmas Day, December 25, 2023.

Jesse grew up on a farm near Hartville, Missouri, and his folks owned a small country store, Gregory Grocery Store. He graduated from Mountain Grove High School in 1947.

In 1951, Jesse joined the United States Army and served his country during the Korean War. Jesse was a Private First Class with the 3rd Infantry Division, 3rd Signal Company as a communications operator. His time in the service was a source of great pride, and he often shared his stories. He was also honored to participate in a veteran Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C., visiting the Korean War Memorial and other monuments.

Jesse married Aletta Faye Woods on April 11, 1954, and spent the next 69 years together. Jesse and Aletta did not have children but had special relationships with many children in their extended family, who loved spending time with them, too.

Jesse and Aletta lived in Kansas City for a short time, where he began a long career as a building contractor. Aletta worked with him as a bookkeeper and helped with the home sales. He became a well-known builder in Springfield and the surrounding area.

In 1978, Jesse retired from the construction business. He and Aletta then bought a farm in Elk Creek, Missouri, where they raised and sold registered Charolais cattle for 20 years. He loved climbing up in his big John Deer tractor and doing farm work. This was the beloved farm where so many cherished memories were made by kids in the family as they grew up.

Jesse and Aletta sold the farm in 1998 and moved back to their Springfield home that Jesse had built. They chose a lot where the address was 2935, the years they were born.

Jesse enjoyed hunting quail and pheasant, as well as training his bird dogs. He also loved fishing trips and a good fish fry on the banks of the rivers. He also liked the art of negotiating a business deal when he thought he had the upper hand, especially when it was time to buy a new Chevy pick-up. Jesse was always up for big family meals during the holidays and special occasions and spending time with family and friends.

Jesse's sense of humor and quick wit were some of his best-known traits, and he will be dearly missed. He is survived by his wife Aletta and many beloved extended family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Penner Cemetery in care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, Inc.