Robert James Jessee

Robert 'Bob'? J. Jessee, 60, of Johnson City, Tennessee, passed away on August 20, 2014, at Johnson City Medical Center. He was born on March 26, 1954, in Mount Holly, New Jersey, to the late Charles and Marcella Jessee. He moved to Bristol, Tennessee when he was 7 years old, played football for Tennessee High School, and graduated in 1971 as Class President. Bob graduated from the University of Tennessee and received his law degree from the Memphis State University Law School. He began the practice of law in 1978 in the office of Richard Pectol & Associates. He and his brother, Thomas C. Jessee, formed the partnership Jessee & Jessee, Attorneys in 1981. Bob was a former president of the Washington County Bar Association and was a proud member of the Tennessee Criminal Defense Lawyers. He practiced law in state and federal courts for 36 years. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Sharon M. Green, his son, Nicholas 'Nick'?Jessee, his daughter-in-law, Shelley Jessee, his brother and law partner, Thomas C. Jessee, and his nephew and wife, Brian and Erin Jessee. He was affectionately known as 'Buffalo Bob'? to his extended family of in-laws, including Bob McD. Green, Bryan Green, Debbie Green, Lisa Green, Dan and Christy Green, David Green, and their families. He will also be missed by his special friends, Kimball Sterling, Tom Corbett, Lee Benovitz, and James T. Bowman. Bob was the walking definition of a true people person and lived every day of his life to the fullest. 'The Habitat'? was the ultimate hangout and he freely extended warm, welcoming invitations to 'drop by The Habitat'?. He loved taking cross country road trips, following the route of Lewis and Clark, finding places of interest to Mark Twain, and visiting national parks. He enjoyed reading and was especially an admirer of the writings of Mark Twain. He and the 'late, great Steve Fanduzz'? were the founders of the infamous Fatboy Golf, which involved a modified set of rules for those who may not have had the golf skills of a true athlete and guaranteed a more enjoyable game. He was a frequent attender of the auctions of his close friend, Kimball Sterling, collecting anything unique that caught his eye. He added spice and color to the lives of all he touched. The family will receive friends at Alta Cucina Restaurant on Friday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. They will have a private graveside service, pursuant to Bobs wishes. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in memory of Bob to Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway, the National Park Foundation, or Second Harvest of the North East Tennessee. The family would like to express their special appreciation to Dr. Steven Kimbrough, Dr. Jeff Farrow, Dr. E.C. Goulding, Dr. Rick Rolen, and the nursing staff in the Intensive Care Unit at the Johnson City Medical Center.