Jesse W Childre

Jesse W Childre January 31, 1926 - July 25, 2017 Jess W. Childre, age 91, of St. Augustine, passed away Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at Flagler Hospital. Jess was born in Fort Valley, Georgia. He attended Georgia Military College in Milledgeville, Ga. and was an U.S Army veteran serving in WWII and the Korean War. Jess was awarded the Silver Star for Valor and attained the rank of Captain before being discharged. In 1950 Jess received his Bachelor Degree from the University of Florida in Building Construction and over the years was an enthusiastic alumni supporter and Avid Gator Fan. Jess began his General Contracting and Home Building career in the mid 1950’s. Jess lived and worked in Titusville, Florida for over 50 years where he specialized in the construction of affordable housing, building hundreds of homes during the space boom in Brevard County. Jess was always active in his community. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and a longtime member of the Kiwanis Club where he served in numerous leadership positions. He was also a member of the National Home Builder’s Assn. Since 1985, Jess and his wife Ida, a native of St. Johns County, have made St. Augustine their home. Remarkably, he remained active in Real Estate Sales and Land Development until his passing. Jess was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and he will be deeply missed. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ida Marie Rogero Childre; a daughter, Zoe Childre Rutherford of Mims, FL.; a son, Jesse W. Childre, Jr. and his wife Anita of St. Augustine; grandchildren, Che Childre, Jessica Tucker, Amanda Rutherford, Shannon McGreal, and Jacob Childre; and 12 great grandchildren. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at St. Johns Family Funeral Home, 385 State Road 207, St. Augustine, with Jamey Tucker officiating. A private committal service and interment will follow at St. Ambrose Cemetery. In lieu of Flowers, donations in Jess’ memory can be made to the Jesse W. and Ida Marie Rogero Childre Endowment for Affordable Housing. Make checks payable to: University of Florida Foundation (memo: Endowment for Affordable Housing), and mail to: Rinker School of Construction Management, University of Florida, P.O. Box 115703, Gainesville, FL 32611-5703 St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.