Jill Jessee-Blom

Jill Jessee-Blom was born on February 25, 1963, in Bryan, Texas, the youngest of five siblings—Linda, Eddice, Bill, Bryan, and Jill. From the very beginning, she carved out her place in the family as the spirited, slightly mischievous one, always entertaining and always unforgettable.

Her father, William T. Jessee, was a West Point graduate who served his country with distinction during the closing days of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. During his extended deployments, Jill’s mother, Eddice, held the family together with strength and devotion. While William served in Vietnam, the family stayed connected through cassette tapes sent back and forth—voices crossing oceans to keep love close despite the distance.

Jill’s childhood was shaped by movement and adventure. In 1965, the Jessee family moved to Augsburg, Germany, followed by Fort McClellan, Alabama, in 1966. In 1967, Jill returned to College Station, Texas, while her father served in Vietnam. The following year brought more transitions—first to North Carolina and then overseas to Bangkok, Thailand, where Jill lived from 1968 to 1971 and attended Bangsu International School. These early experiences planted the seeds for a lifelong curiosity about the world and its people.

In 1971, the family settled in San Antonio, Texas. Jill attended Coker Elementary School, Eisenhower Middle School, and later Winston Churchill High School, where she graduated in 1981. An avid and highly competitive swimmer, Jill thrived as a member of the school’s swim team, demonstrating determination, discipline, and a fierce love of competition.

After high school, Jill explored graphic design, working briefly for a San Antonio newspaper before discovering her true professional home in the hospitality industry. She earned a degree in Hospitality from St. Philip’s College and went on to work at several notable San Antonio properties, including, The St. Anthony Hotel, and La Mansión del Rio on the River Walk.

It was during this time that Jill met the love of her life, Robert Blom. They married in June of 1992, beginning a partnership defined by shared adventure, loyalty, and deep affection. Soon after, the couple moved to Dallas, Texas, where both worked for different DoubleTree Hotels. From 1993 to 1995, they relocated to San Diego for a professional assignment before returning to Dallas, where Robert continued his career with Hilton.

Jill’s professional life took a remarkable turn when she joined the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO). Over the next twenty years, her role managing travel and accommodations for CEOs and their families at YPO Universities took her across the globe. Her work brought her to Thailand, England, the Philippines, India, Germany, South Africa, Australia, Japan, China, Scotland, Ireland, France, Cuba, New Zealand, Turkey, Italy, Hong Kong, Sweden, Russia, and many other places.

Along the way, Jill encountered extraordinary people and moments. She met Nelson Mandela, played dominoes while Fidel Castro spoke for hours, and met Nando Parrado, one of the two survivors who trekked across the Andes to save others. Years later, Robert would meet the other survivor, Roberto Canessa. Jill’s professionalism and care left lasting impressions—so much so that the CEO of Omaha Steaks was known to send her gifts of steaks in appreciation.

Despite her global experiences and remarkable career, Jill remained deeply grounded. She was always ready to help anyone, anywhere, at any time. After retiring from YPO, she dedicated herself to volunteering with Animal Services for the City of Carrollton, reflecting her profound and lifelong love for animals. In May of 2022, Jill worked part time at the Carrollton Senior Center; a place and work she thoroughly enjoyed helping and connecting with the senior community of Carrollton.

Family and friendship were at the heart of Jill’s life. She loved her brothers and sisters dearly and was often the one who brought everyone together—organizing calls, reunions, games, and laughter. She was an intensely loyal friend and a fun-loving, devoted aunt to her nephews, delighting in every moment spent with them. At night Jill traveled the world through time and space reading her books. The ones she loved the most she would gasp and sigh, not wanting to let go. She loved her in-laws and became an instant and beloved daughter and sister-in-law. The Bloms opened up another world for her that included their ties to Brazil, Argentina and Mexico.

Jill Jessee-Blom lived a life rich with adventure, service, connection, and love. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, humor, loyalty, and generosity that spans continents and hearts—and she will be remembered always as someone who made the world feel a little more connected, and a lot more joyful.

A “Celebration of Life” will be held in the New Year to honor her life and her love.