James Melvin Kesecker

Born to Mary (née Van Goshen) and Boyd Kesecker, Jim grew up with his seven siblings on a farm in Berkeley Springs, WV. He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from West Virginia University, and it was a fateful chemistry class at WVU where he was first seated alphabetically next to Harriet Jane Kidd—leading, as family lore has it, to low grades but good chemistry. Jim and Jane married in 1951, and their marriage of over 50 years embodied enduring love, compassion, and Christian faithfulness.

Jim is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jane; his brothers, Arless, David, and Daniel; and his sisters, Marguerite, Anna Mary, Christine, and Edna. He is survived by his loving children, Mary Ann Brearley and her husband Bob, Jimmy Kesecker, whose wife Lisa passed away in 2023, and Judy Lacks and her husband Rick; his eight grandchildren; and his thirteen great-grandchildren.

Jim’s work for the US Department of Agriculture involved river basin and watershed studies. He was in charge of the Santee River Basin planning staff. His career reflected his love and appreciation of nature.

Dubbed “Big Daddy” upon becoming a grandfather, Jim was lovingly known as “Big” for the second half of his life, and his presence and mark on the world were just that. From farming to raising children, butchering a hog to baking his famous apple cake, home repair to basket weaving, he took pride in what he could build, create, and nurture with his own two hands. He freely shared his knowledge and the fruits of his labors with others.

Jim was always a devoted family man, a helpful neighbor and a caring member of his community. He led a boy scout troop, delivered Meals on Wheels and throughout his life was involved in multiple and varied ministries through First Baptist Church. He cared for his wife with unwavering spirit during the decade she suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. Jim lost an eye in a farming accident as a young child, but he maintained a clear-eyed view of the world and the dignity of everyone he encountered. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, good humor that survived even the toughest circumstances, and unconditional love.