Jesse was the son of the late Lela Mae Brooks and Arthur Thomas. He was retired from Electro Alloys in Elyria, OH after 40 years of dedicated service where he was a Licensed Journeyman Molder.

His survivors include: his loving wife of 49 years, Mae K. Brooks, Valley, AL; three daughters, Chrystal Brooks, Valley, AL, Carmen Brooks-White (Phillip) and Celeste Gay (Steven) both of Elyria, OH; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three brothers, John Crim (Gwen) and Bobby Crim (Minnie) both of Valley, AL and McArthur Thomas (Betty), Elyria, OH; foster brother, Jimmy L. Harris (Liz), Birmingham, AL; matriarch of the Thomas Family, Doris Horton; brother-in-law, Earl Shores; god-daughter, Laurie (Sandy) Jones; and, a host of nieces, nephews, other loving relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his foster parents, Grady and Pearl Harris.