John, age 70 of Wilmington, DE passed away peacefully on May 1, 2018 at his home surrounded by family. He was born in Wallace, Idaho on April 28, 1948, son of the late Paul and Mary (Ramstedt) Jessup. After spending his childhood in Bronxville, NY he attended the University of North Carolina on a full athletic scholarship where he met his future wife of 43 years Melissa (Ogle) Jessup. After graduation, he earned an MBA as a Babcock scholar from Wake Forest University.
John joined DuPont in 1974 where he had a distinguished 33-year career with assignments in corporate, business and international finance culminating is his 2006 retirement as Vice-President and Treasurer. He also served for 10 years on the Board at Longwood Gardens chairing their investment committee. His career at DuPont offered his family the opportunity to live in Japan and Canada, which furthered his fondness for travel and understanding of different cultures.
John was a gifted athlete, earning NY high school all-state honors in three sports, a record-holding shot putter at UNC and a passionate tennis player/captain in his adult life. His tennis serve is legendary at the Greenville CC. His was an avid fan for all UNC sports and his childhood heroes, the New York Yankees.
He will be remembered for his huge heart as well as his physical presence. He had a wise and gentle demeanor whose kindness, generosity of spirit and friendship touched so many throughout his life. The grace, courage and strength he exhibited in his last months was indicative of his character.
John was predeceased by his sister, Diana “Kuck” Duodo of Venice, Italy. He is survived by his wife Melissa; his son Paul Jessup of Atlanta, GA; his daughter and son-in-law Mary and Dave Garzoli of Plainville, MA; his granddaughter Sophia; his nephews Patrick and Alessandro Duodo of Venice, Italy; his niece Shravana Ogle of Gainesville, FL and his nephew William “Bo” Ogle of Oakland, CA.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the Helen Graham Cancer Center and the staff at Delaware Hospice for their competent and compassionate care.
Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial service at Westminster Presbyterian Church located at 1502 W. 13 Street, Wilmington on Monday, May 7, at 11:00 am. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to either Delaware Hospice (16 Polly Drummond Center, 2nd floor, Newark, DE 19711) or the Helen Graham Cancer Center (13 Reads Way Suite 203, New Castle, DE 19720) in his memory.
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