Dr. Jesse Brooks Taintor

Dr. Jesse Brooks Taintor- age 74 passed peacefully surrounded by his family and close friends on February 1st, 2018. He was a wonderful and loving husband and father with a very gracious and generous heart.

Jesse was born in Oxford, Mississippi on October 24, 1943 to Dr. Charles Wilson Taintor and Jerry Brooks Taintor. He graduated from West Tallachatchie High School in Webb, Mississippi in 1961. Jesse enjoyed fishing and experimenting with science as a young man.

He attended the University of Mississippi where he received his Bachelor & Master's degree in Sociology.

Upon graduation from Ole Miss., Jesse entered the United States Army, where he served for 3 years and was ranked as a Captain. He served as an Ordinance Officer and was awarded many medals, including the Meritorious Service Medal, and National Defense Medal. He was also awarded The Polish Labor Service Commerative badge by the Commanding Officer of Labor Services.

After leaving the Army, He attended Florida State University where he received his Ph.D. in Sociology in 1977. While at FSU he worked with Dr. Charles Grigg in the Institute for Policy Sciences for 6 years, where also taught advanced Statistics. He retired from Florida State University after 32 years as the Director of Computer Support Services in 2010.

In addition to being an extremely intelligent and achieved man, Jesse was also very involved with his church and many other social groups. He was an active member of St. Peter's Anglican Church.

In 2003, he was raised a Master Mason in Jackson Lodge No. 1, Tallahassee. He was a plual member of Robert Butler Lodge and was currently the Chaplain. He joined the York Rite and held positions of High Priest, Illustrious Master, and Emmenient Commander. He was a KCCH of the Scottish Rite. He was Chaplain of the Marzaq Shrine.

Jesse was also a member of the Eastern Star Tallahassee Chapter #119 where he upheld the Warder position & in Washington Chapter #43 he was the Sentinel . In addition, he was also a Rainbow Advisory Board member of Tallahassee Assembly #64 where he received the Grand Cross as a board member, which is given to a member or adult leader for outstanding service.

Jesse and his wife Merry Beth of 45 years had a loving relationship in which they enjoyed spending time together, traveling, time with their daughter and two grandsons, along with their extensive group of friends from church and their active involvements.

Jesse is survived by his wife Merry Beth, daughter Merry Anne Crooke (husband Brian), grandson Henry (3), and Holden (1). His niece Fara Shook (husband Ross Hankins), his great niece Carolyn Anne (7).

Jesse is preceded by his parents Dr. Charles Wilson Taintor and Jerry Brooks Taintor, his sister Charlotte Anne Shook.

Jesse will be dearly missed by his family, and his many close friends, including his Masonic family and his family at St. Peter's.

A Memorial service will be held Tuesday February 13 at 11am at Culleys Meadow Wood 1737 Riggins Road Tallahassee, FL 32308 then followed by a Graveside Memorial at Tallahassee National Cemetery at 2pm at 5015 Aplachee Parkway Tallahassee, FL 32311.

The family requests in lieu of flowers or gifts that donations be given to St. Peter's Anglican Church or to the Tallahassee Memorial Cancer center.