Jessie James Lee Bankhead Sr.

Jessie James Lee Bankhead, born November 28, 1954, in Kenosha Wisconsin, to parents Albert and Henrietta Bankhead of Arkansas. Jessie is one of 16 children. Jessie moved to Seattle as a teenager and attended Rainier Beach High School. He went on to attend South Seattle Community College then University of Washington.

At the age of 29, Jessie met the love of his life, Yolanda Darlene Jackson, the neighbor across the fence. After months of Jessie talking to Darlene over the fence, they went on their first date to Happy Valley Restaurant. After that first date Jessie and Darlene were joined at the hip. January 25, 1986, their son, Keauntea was born. Jessie and Darlene had a blended family of 8 children, a host of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jessie and Darlene were together for 41 years, married 18 years.

Jessie and Darlene lived in South Seattle. Jessie was the neighborhood Pops and uncle of the Rainier Valley area. Jessie never met a stranger and welcomed everyone who came into their home. He and Darlene made sure no kid felt left out as Jessie often took all the kids skating on Saturdays and swimming on Sundays. He also continued his education at Pratt school of art.

Jessie had a career in printing where he became the Shop Steward which afforded him and Darlene to travel all over as he successfully negotiated contracts for his company for forty years. Jessie retired in 2017. Although Jessie had his career, he was a man of many crafts. He liked carpentry, cooking, gardening and loved his art and photography. Jessie had a true artistic vision that showed through his paintings, photography, sculptures, and glasswork. He loved to BBQ, entertain, joke, and laugh with his friends and family.

Jessie lived a full life of 71 years. He spent his last two months living in Henderson, NV, with his wife. Jessie was a great man who has left a remarkable legacy that will be carried on for future generations and never forgotten.

Family has requested for guest to where Black and Gold for his funeral services.