Jesse Gewin Alspaugh III - Cremation Society of Virginia

Jesse Gewin Alspaugh III

May 10, 1961 - May 15, 2022

Jesse Gewin Alspaugh III passed unexpectedly on May 15th 2022 from a cardiac event at the age of 61. Born and raised in Portsmouth Va he was known by many names; Jesse, Jay, JBird, Little Jake, Dr Jay, Jaysus, Dad and Old Man. Always recognized for his antics, both legal and illegal he was a true character. He played football as a center at Norcom High School and graduated in 1979. He went on to get a mechanical engineering degree from Virginia Tech in 1984 as a proud member of the Loungers. After graduation he went to work at Norfolk Naval Shipyard as a “legendary” Nuclear Engineer. He retired after 32 years of service ending his career as the Occupational Safety, Health, and Environmental Director. He had started to enjoy retired life: having time to volunteer with Nansemond River High School’s football team, play more ZZTop air guitar solos, taking trips to watch more Hokie football, beach weeks and time to float in the pool. The number of lives he touched is only measurable by the number of stories and laughs people have to share because of him. He is survived by his wife Barbara Alspaugh, his children Hailey, Madelyn, Jesse and son in law Ryan Fry as well as his two sisters, Cameron Eagle and Melissa Pittman and their families Bob Eagle, Jennifer Eagle, Allison Eagle and Noah Pittman. A memorial service will be held on June 3rd 2022 starting at 12:00pm at Alive Church; 1935 Jolliff Rd Chesapeake Va 23321 followed immediately by a celebration of life; 2:00pm at Obici House at 4700 Sleepy Hole Rd Suffolk Va 23435.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Suffolk Fire and Rescue (more information directly below).

Checks can be written to: Jeff T Messinger Fund
Memo of check can either read: “in memory of Jesse Alspaugh III” or “Station 5”
Mailed to: 300 Kings Fork Rd, Suffolk, VA 23434
Attention: Pam King

Cremation Society of Virginia

Larry and Diane Topping

Don Johnson

Kelly Gower

Robert Edwards

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We are so profoundly sorry for this tremendous loss to your family. We are holding you all close to our hearts and in our prayers.

Our deepest condolence. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Jay brightened everyone’s world with his smiles and stories. We will truly miss him.

My deepest condolences to the whole Alspaugh family. I know from all that I have spoken to since the loss, it has been a shock and great loss for all. I was lucky enough to have known Jesse from his start at the shipyard. I believe I was one of his first STE’s when he was an ASTE on the USS Cincinnati when Mitch was our CTE. In addition to all the names identified that he was called, it was on this first ship that the crew affectionately called him “Little” Lyle Alzado, the football player (see attached picture), since back then Jesse’s curly black mullet and beard did bear some resemblance. My memories always go back to night shifts and the times we would leave the ship and head up back to the office. He and my other ASTE (Kip Dotson), would often spring out from behind a corner and go for the take-down like pro wrestlers right in the hall. I held my own for as long as I could each time. We were young and that was a long time ago, but it remains one of my fondest memories of the 3rd floor of Building 1500. Even long after leaving that group, no matter how high Jesse climbed the ladder, I was always able to come back to his office where he would put other things aside and we would talk about old times like it was only yesterday. Anyone that knew him know that is what he was like. The other picture attached is Jesse with some other C-2340 people (if you can recognize them) at Mitch’s retirement party. As you can see, he was always engaging, interested in what you had to say and he always had a great story to tell. We worked hard, played hard, he was always the consummate professional, but most importantly, he is the friend and family member that will be greatly missed, even for those of us who only saw him sparingly in the later years. Again, peace and comfort to the family and all that knew him.

My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He truly was a GREAT guy.

RIP Jesse, prayers to you and your family.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I was there the day that tree was planted. Jesse did lots for our NNSY. May he find an eternal reward in heaven. Peace to all who knew him.

My sincerest condolences. May God shelter you with his love and grace during this time.

Jesse was a fun and great guy. He was my classmate at Norcom High School and I knew him from NNSY. We had some great times together. He was fun to be around.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.