Jesse had been moved to a rehab facility and is in a wheelchair. It has been three months since we saw him at the Charlotte Show. I know that all will treasure any time they have personally spent with a very talented guy. His practical approach to rodbuilding and his advice has helped a lot of builders. I am going to chop up an Ugly Stick for him to use when dealing with the physical therapists. I will also take some thread for him to play with - black and silver only!

I will visit with Jesse all day on Tuesday of next week. If any builders care to pass on any messages I will print this thread and take it to him for personal delivery. I do not have his specific address as yet due to the fact that he just got located yesterday. When I get it I will pass it on.

Bill Stevens

Bill, wish Jesse my best.

Think he might want a lab top? This way we could talk to him.

At least with a lab top he won't have to worry about how to tie those darn gowns without having half your body showing!!! Couldn't resist Bill!. Please wish Jesse the best and sppedy recovery from a lot of out here on the left coast.

And the Right Coast also.

Give him my best, Bill

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Very glad to hear he is getting up and around a bit and doing well!
Feel sorry for the nurses though! LOL!
I have not met Jesse yet but anyone who could come up with "Bad to the Bone"
and hold his own in the "War of the Flies" has my admiration 100 percent!

Get well soon Jesse! Hope to see you in High Point!

Raymond Adams
Eventually, all things merge, and a river runs through it..

How I met Jesse:
I attended the first big show with my then 9yr old son. Since I was talking to a lot of people that I have only ever talked to on the phone or via email, my son was looking around on his own. He came up to me with one of Jesse’s hosels with a tied caddis fly in it. I asked how much it was, and he told me it was “Free”. Wadda ya mean “Free”. Sure enough, Jesse had given it to him. Wouldn’t take any money for it. My son has since built a flyrod, and we put the hosel on it.

Jesse, you have touched more lives than you know. He smiles every time he uses that rod! Get well, my friend.

Bill- be sure to tell him that the entire rod building community is rooting for him and that I still personally look forward to spending a day with him in his shop.

Pete Kornegay

I din't know Jesse but his is one of the names on my always read the posts list. Praying for a full recovery.


Dan Hogan
The only way to have a friend, is to be one.

Jessy;

You just take it easy and make a ful lrecovery. We all want to greet you in High Point in February. I'm sure a lot of the members are praying for your speedy recovery.

Dave

Jesse; having not had the Pleasure of meeting you in person yet I would like to wish you a Very speedy recovery. there are Many Many people who look Every day to see a update on your recovery posted here.
With luck I might have the Honour of shaking your gifted hand at the Show in greenville

GET WELL SOON!!

I met Jessie in 1990 when I arrived in Virginia Beach and paid him a visit to buy a couple of specialty blanks for use in the local area. SInce then I have dropped to visit with him from time to time. He's quite an old salt with alot of character. I paid him a visit in the hospital three weeks ago, he was itching to get out of there. I wish him the best and look forward to seeing him again real soon.

Lou

Glad to here he's getting better.

This board is really something: I just got this email - the writer chose to not post it on the board but I just have to let everyone know just how builders can support each other: I omitted the name and phone number sent to maintain confidentiality. There really are some wonderful people involved in our craft.

Email text:

"I don’t know you or Jesse, but I have seen your post regarding Jesse and his condition. I was involved in a car accident 8 years ago and am a wheelchair bound paraplegic. I am an avid outdoorsman as well as rod builder, If I can be of any help please let me know, I have been through it and sure can help someone else to go through it. Again I am not sure if Jesse’s wheelchair condition is permanent (I pray that is not), If I can help please call me at xxx-xxx-xxxx or email me…

I have hunting land in Georgia all wheelchair accessible for Hogs, Deer, and Turkey, as well as live in the Florida Keys with a lot of friends with boats that will get him fishing."

End Message:

Wow! I hope you skin is tingling too! Wouldn't it be something if the Bad To The Bone ended up on a fine vessel in the Keys with some of his rods with a new set of friends.

Bill Stevens

Jessie:
You may not remember me, But you, John Ballard, and myself spent a lot of time at the rod show together. I helped you guy’s load up all the blanks. I have been keeping in touch with John checking on your progress. Talked with him Monday and he told me He had had a long conversation with you the night before. I was and am so glad to hear that you are doing better. We have been praying for and for your recovery. Will be an honor to eat lunch again with you at the next rod show.
Your friend
Steve

All the best jessy from england

Best regards and prayers from West Virginia!!!

Bill in WV

Thanks guys for the posts - I will print the postings and deliver them to Jesse along with the complete rod shop in a tackle box. I will post a picture on the Photo Board in a few minutes. I hope the stuff in the box will turn him on - maybe even do a black and silver chevron wrap on the glass blank section to whip up on some of the physical terrorists that are hassling him! I know he will appreciate your well wishes.

Bill Stevens