Jesse Seiferth

Jesse Seiferth, Jr., 73, passed away on August 9, 2014. Born in Kingston, Mississippi, he was the son of the late Jesse and Laurie Seiferth, who moved to Natchez shortly after his birth. He completed his elementary and high school years in the St. Francis Catholic School system, graduating in 1959 as class salutatorian. After three years of service in the Armed Forces—during which time he married Irma Jean Wilson and welcomed the birth of his first daughter, Karen—he returned to Natchez. During the following three years, while his family remained with his parents in Natchez, Jesse attended Tougaloo College near Jackson, MS; welcomed the birth of his second daughter, Gina; and completed his BS degree in mathematics. Graduating in 1965, Jesse was recruited to work for Cummins Engine Company in Columbus, Indiana, serving as Administrative Officer of the Foundation. During his nearly 10-year tenure at Cummins, his positions ranged from Senior Program Specialist in the Program Management Department to Profit Planner in the Finance Department. And, before leaving Cummins, Jesse furthered his education by earning his MBA degree in finance from Indiana University.

In 1974, Jesse relocated, with his family, to Lynchburg, Virginia, after accepting the position as Manager: Financial Programs in GE’s Communication Systems Business Division. Jesse’s 37 years as a professional in Lynchburg were productive and challenging. After six years with GE, he successfully launched his own company, becoming the owner and president of Access Printing, spanning more than twenty years of service in the Lynchburg community. Jesse retired in 2010.

In addition to his professional activities, Jesse was involved in a number of community humanitarian-based organizations, which included his serving as a board member of the Lynchburg Shelter Industry, the Free Clinic of Lynchburg, and Camp Kum Ba Yah; former board member, and past president of Big Brothers and Sisters of Central Virginia. Jesse’s contributions over the years were many. He was a former board member and past treasurer of the Information and Referral Center; a former board member of the Brookville High School Principal’s Advisory Council and he was a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

But on a more personal note, Jesse, for example, was a formidable debater, capitalizing on his passionate spirit, his innate intelligence, and his analytical perspectives on a myriad ofx social issues. To know Jesse, also, was to appreciate the humorous, light-hearted side of his personality—his infectious smile, and his trademark greeting to all his female relatives and friends. They were always welcomed as “Lovely Ladies.”

Most admirable, however, was Jesse’s commitment. Jesse was a dedicated husband to his wife, and father to his children. He committed fully to his chosen career path, and the imperative “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” These all anchored his essential being throughout his adult life.

In addition to his two daughters, Karen Seiferth Hicks of Richmond, VA, and Gina Seiferth St. John of Los Angeles, CA, Jesse is survived by two grandchildren, Meaghan Bryce Henson and Taylor Austin Henson, and one great-grandchild, Alivia Bryce Henson, all of Richmond, VA; his sister, Forrestine S. Barnes and husband, Bernis, of Silver Spring, MD; brother-in-law, Larnell Franklin of Natchez MS; a number of nephews, nieces, and other relatives, and numerous friends.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2:00 p.m., at Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel 220 Breezwood Dr.Lynchburg, Va 24502

Memorial contributions may be sent to: Tougaloo College Office of Institutional Advancement: 500 West County Line Road Tougaloo, MS 39174 AND/OR The American Heart Association: 4217 Park Place Court Glen Allen VA 23060, Heart.org

Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Lynchburg (434-237-9424) is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent by visiting: obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com