David Lee Jessee

Like so many people in life, Dave accomplished numerous great achievements. What separated him from most people was not so much what he did, rather who he was as a person.

Dave lived life to the fullest through his amazing character steeped in honesty, kindness, generosity, non-judgement: all crafted through his striking, funny wit. He had the rare quality of charisma by saying few words but projecting his bigger than life presence standing at 6 '6". His handsome piercing blue eyes added to his charm. He always stood by his values and beliefs confidently, but never imposed them on others.

Dave connected with everyone he met. He had that special gift. His deep love of his wife, Fae Jessee, and his family topped all of his priorities. He met the love of his life Fae Van Meter Jessee at Broadripple HS, where she then followed Dave to Michigan State University. They were married in 1954 until her passing in 2021.

Dave's family “first” legacy was handed down from our family matriarch, his mother Louise Jessee (amazing person) and shared by Fae, his brother Bill Jessee and wife Mary Jessee, all the children Lynne (Bill), Steve, David (Marsha), grandkids Scott (Jen), Kristen (Nate), Katie, Christopher (Anna), great grandkids Grace, Goldie, Faye, all of our Louisville KY Jessee family and their extended family .

Dave started life in a very humble way born in Indianapolis IN, August 17, 1933, at home during the depression. His crib was a drawer. Those humble beginnings fostered a drive to achieve.

He fell in love with athletics and found great pleasure at playing all the sports early on however his passion was basketball. He honed his skills at Broadripple HS. Upon graduation in 1951 he was recruited by numerous colleges, landing a full ride scholarship to play basketball at Michigan State University.

After college Dave’s passion for sports migrated from basketball to golf. He became very competitive with a near scratch handicap, was Club Champion at Hillcrest CC, Shoot out champ, and numerous other accolades. He was instrumental in developing “soft spikes” with several other investors and helped to convince the PGA to mandate them. Most valued were the endless friendships he developed through his passion for golf.

Upon graduation from Michigan State with a BS in engineering, Dave joined the Army becoming a first lieutenant. After completing his commitment, he worked as an engineer for Trane Company. Dave joined his father-in-law Ed Tobey in the early 60s and learned the inner workings of real estate development along with aviation at Sky Harbor Airport. Dave became a pilot and shared his love of flying with family and friends. From there in the mid-1960s he joined F C Tucker Co in their commercial department. In 1973 Dave started a real estate development Company with Wayne Timberman continuing until Dave retired in 2003. Dave served in important leadership roles during his career as president of Hillcrest Country Club and the Indianapolis Athletic Club and as a member of the Board of Directors for Indiana Lumberman's Insurance Co.

Dave and Fae spent part of each year in Bonita Springs Fl pursuing their passion of golf. Dave and Fae were very social. They were members of Hillcrest CC, Worthington CC, and the American Business Club, where they developed cherished, lifelong friendships.

Even though we will deeply miss his daily earthly presence, as a daughter, son, sibling, cousin, grandkid, great grandkid, friend new or old, we are all so blessed that a piece of Dave Jessee will always live on in our hearts as part of us.

Friday April 11, 2025 at 2:00pm a graveside service will be held at Crown Hill Cemetery (700 W 38th St., Indianapolis, Indiana north entrance by funeral home 317-925-3800) including full military honors. Celebration of life to follow at 4 pm Hillcrest CC, 6098 Fall Creek Rd, Indianapolis IN.