Jesse James Yanske
- Contributed
Jesse James Yanske – an animal whisperer, memory-care champion, chef, fisherman, amateur meteorologist and the ‘world’s foremost authority’ on Jurassic Park, is not with us. No animal is a stranger – dogs, cats, critters of all kinds – always know they have a friend in Jesse. Just ask his buddy, who clearly has him well-trained in the art of the perfect belly rub. Jesse has that effect on everyone – two legs or four, everyone wants to be near him.
Before he disappeared, Jesse’s passion was his work with those in memory care. He had a rare gift for meeting people exactly where they were – with patience, music and a kind of grace that can’t be taught. He loves music loudly, fishing patiently, cooking generously and chasing storms enthusiastically.
Jesse’s life wasn’t easy. He would be the first to say that. But he’s always faced each day with a belief that there was a purpose to being here, to being alive. He calls it “sucking air” – and he’s determined to make every breath count. He can struggle – and then he will flash that smile. That room-lighting, trouble-forgiving, heart-melting smile will make everyone forgive him anything. His greatest asset is his open heart. That beautiful, wide-open heart welcomes everyone in.
He leaves behind a family who loves him beyond words, who are left with questions, a mystery and a deep need for answers. They ask for your thoughts, your prayers and your support. He’s greatly missed – fiercely missed. It’s the kind of missed that sits heavy in the kitchen and quiet in the car and loud everywhere he should still be.
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