He was born on June 18, 1928 in Jackson, TN to the late Jesse Byrum and Maggie Bell Baker. Jesse attended JB Young High School in Bemis, TN. After graduating high school, he joined the army and served in the Korean War as a staff sergeant. He was united in marriage to Virginia Steadman in 1956 and they were married 65 years until his passing. Jesse is best known for his love of the theater. His thespian talents led him to become an icon in Jackson’s theater community and it’s beginnings at Jackson High School (JHS) and Lambuth University. Jesse was teaching in Mount Pleasant, TN when he was recruited back to Jackson to begin a theater program at JHS in 1961 as the lead dramatics art teacher and to begin its Thespian Club. Jesse left JHS after 6 years to become the longtime professor of Speech and Drama at Lambuth University and direct several of its productions. Jesse chartered the Jackson Theater Guild in 1965 and directed its first play Sound of Music, in addition to Grease, the King and I and numerous others. Throughout his years teaching, Jesse led groups of theater community members on trips to New York City to experience Broadway theater. After retirement, Jesse continued to direct plays at the Ned and ran his antique store, Yesterday’s Antiques in downtown Jackson for over 30 years.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by granddaughter Stephanie Arwood; three sisters, Ruby Harris, Ella Lubera, and Louisa Byrum, and one brother, Thomas (“Buddy”).
He is survived by his wife, Virginia Steadman Byrum of Jackson; two daughters Carol Moore (Robert) and Paula Young; one son John Byrum (LouAnn); six grandchildren Jessica Arwood, John Robert Moore, Jennifer Wilkerson, Sarah Moore, Rachel Young, and Reece Byrum; seven great grandchildren; and sister, Mary Lois (Sissy) Stanfill.
The family will receive friends and loved ones on Thursday, May 27, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the North Chapel officiated by Rev. Sky McCracken and Rev. Paul Clayton. Burial will follow with military honors at Ridgecrest Cemetery.
Active pallbearers to serve will be John Robert Moore, Baker Rhodes, Reece Byrum, Donnie Vales, Steve Puckett, Chris Wilkerson, Brad Reedy, and Glen Sorras.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Jackson Theater Guild or Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary.
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