Jesse was unable to attend the 40th reunion because of poor health. He passed away November 10, 2000. Sharon said they "appreciated the 'Thinking of You' card sent to him at reunion time."

In the Courier Journal, Sunday, May 13, 2001,  in the section entitled "Toxic Workplace" there was a picture of Jesse during his workplace illness which took his life November 10, 2000. During the time of the reunion his wife asked that we not disclose how sick he was, however this became public information.