Jessie James Askew

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, great-grandfather and friend, Jessie James Askew, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, October 21, 2019 at the age of 82 years. He was born September 30, 1937 in Chambers County, Alabama to Mary Junior Askew and H. T. Flounry.

Jessie accepted Christ at an early age. He was a long-time resident of Bay City, Michigan.
Not only was he very loyal and dedicated to his family, Jessie was equally loyal to his place of employment. He was employed and a retiree of Lee Wood Construction company for over forty years.

A caring, soft spoken gentle giant of a man who cherished his family and friends, Jessie did not hesitate to use his skills and knowledge to assist us in whatever the challenge may be. He loved to farm and to build with his hands. Together with his close friends they would amuse themselves playing the guitar, the harmonica and listening to the blues. He also had a passion for cooking and baking.

Jessie’s love for life and family has left us a lasting legacy and he will always be remembered and cherished in our hearts.

Jessie was preceded in death by first wife, Cora Hardnett-Askew; son, Jewel Askew; grandson, Sedale Smith; mother, Mary Junior Askew; father, H. T. Flounry; sister, Qurilla “Aunt Q”Jones.

He leaves to treasure his memory his wife, June Wicks-Askew, Bay City, Michigan; four daughters, Rose (Glen) Smith, Bay City, Michigan, Edith Coleman, Kim Mason and Lynn Mason, all of Saginaw, Michigan; four sons, Jessie D. (Pamela) Askew, Jade R. Askew, Eric (Kathy) Coleman, all of Bay City, Michigan, Eden Wicks, Muskegon, Michigan; twelve grandchildren, Nihal Smith, BreeAnna and Anthony Askew, Paige and Isaac Smith, Marcello and Easton Coleman, Janae, Nevaeh, Sry, Elaya Wicks and Darius Mason; four great-grandchildren; four sisters, Carrie McKinze, Odell Johnson, Ruby Mae Caldwell, Alabama, Mozell Kirk, New York; one brother, Frank (Lois) Askew, Alabama; very special friend Jennifer (Wanda) Clinkscales; special lifetime friend, Johnnie Murphy; many nieces, nephews, cousins and loved ones.

The family would like to express special thanks to family and friends, Historic Second Baptist Church, Ivan E. Philips and the Staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel.

View Funeral Webcast