Jesse Phillip Gayton

Jesse grew up in the San Joaquin Valley but he stretched his boundaries when he enlisted. Jesse served in the Army during the Vietnam era, receiving the National Defense Service Medal. His tours included Okinawa Army Base, Japan, Ft. Polk, LA and Ft. Huachuca, AZ. His military skills and experience led him to a Nursing Assistant position at the VA Medical Center in Albuquerque, NM.

We remember Jesse …

Jesse was a dreamer, risk taker, explorer, avid reader, and artist.

A budding artist, his den walls were covered with drawings of buffalo, wolves, bears, bulls, dogs, and an array of other animals. He created chalk portraits of desperados, Pancho Villa, Che Guevara, and Clint Eastwood. He admired Native American folklore, crafts, sculptures, and drew shaman, kachinas, Apaches, Navaho and Hopi dancers. He painted delicate Asian floral watercolors, reminiscent of Japanese landscapes.

Jesse was an enthusiastic history buff, he loved books and movies. He was into biographies, documentaries, Native American legends, the Civil War, the Wild Wild West, the Mexican Revolution, WWI and WWII, the roaring 20s, gangsters, and mobsters. He was keen on Geronimo, Wyatt Earp, Billy the Kid, Pancho Villa, Zapata, Marilyn Monroe, and the Black Dahlia. He was also interested in the life sciences, physiology, and forensics because of his work at the VA. He wanted to better understand the problems his fellow vets were facing.

Jesse loved to travel. He was partial to the historical sites and ruins he was so fond of reading about, like the mystical spiral staircase in the Loreto Chapel, the OK corral at Tombstone, the Praying Nun near Santa Rita, the Grand Canyon, and Chiricahua National Monument. Margie would surprise him with spur of the moment road trips to the forest, lakes, and waterfalls. Together they explored the Southwest and West Coast; Old Tucson, Old Santa Fe, Ruidoso, White Sands, Carlsbad Caverns, Sandia Crest, Monterey, Moro Bay and Hearst Castle. With his telescope he would study the stars and planets from mountaintops or lonely desert plains. But his favorite place was by the ocean. He loved the roar of the waves, the misty air, the seagull chatter, and collecting seashells with Margie.

Jesse was outgoing, good natured, and fun. He struck up conversations with strangers. Everywhere Jesse and Margie went there was someone he had met and made friends with (he had a talent of remembering names not just faces). He was a great storyteller, an even better listener. He was handy with a joke or Charles Bronson impression. He loved small gatherings instead of big parties because he could spend more time with individuals. Jesse was kind, generous and compassionate. A gracious host, his casa was open and welcoming. His favorite duty at the VA was comforting and talking to patients as he transported them in and out of surgery. He would take the time to talk to lonely veterans in waiting rooms or clinics. He would listen to their stories and share in their burden.

Yet nothing compares to the steadfast love he had for his best friend, his light, his soul mate, his Margie. They fell in love young and never let go. Their favorite song echoed their romance and dedication:

“They say we're young and we don't know, we won't find out until we grow… They say

our love won't pay the rent, before it's earned, our money's all been spent… but at least

I'm sure of all the things we got… I got you babe… I got you to hold my hand, I got you to

understand, I got you to walk with me, I got you to talk with me, I got you to kiss

goodnight, I got you to hold me tight, I got you, I won't let go, I got you to love me so… “

- Sonny Bono

There were happy times picnicking in the park, walking in the forest, visiting oriental gardens, or beachcombing. There were also hard times, when they faced adversities, hardships, and trauma, but always together, always with grace and courage. Inseparable and devoted for 44 years, theirs is a bond that cannot be broken.

We will always remember Jesse’s gentle heart, enduring love, and caring nature.

We miss him dearly, but fear not, we know Jesse is in a far, far, better place and at peace.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” – Matthew 5:8

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, there will not be any public ceremonies. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Jesse will receive full military honors at his place of rest, Ft. Bliss National Cemetery, on July 29th. We encourage family and friends to view the Tribute Movie, leave a message, and share a memory on this site. Jesse was a faithful believer in the power of prayer. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate your prayers, a Mass, or a Novena offered in his memory.