Jesse Seiferth

Published 12:01 am Wednesday, August 20, 2014

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LYNCHBURG, Va. — Memorial services for Jesse Seiferth Jr., 73, of Lynchburg, Va., formerly of Natchez, who died Saturday, Aug. 9, 2014, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory Chapel in Lynchburg.

Arrangements are under the direction of Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory.

Mr. Seiferth was born in Kingston, the son of Jesse and Laurie Seiferth. His family relocated to Natchez shortly after his birth.

He completed his elementary and high school years at St. Francis Catholic School, graduating in 1959 as class salutatorian. After three years of service in the armed forces, during which time he married Irma Jean Wilson and welcomed the birth of his first daughter, Karen, he returned to Natchez.

During the following three years, his family remained with his parents in Natchez while Jesse attended Tougaloo College near Jackson. During this time, his second daughter, Gina was born and he completed his bachelor of science degree in mathematics.

Graduating in 1965, Jesse was recruited to work for Cummins Engine Company in Columbus, Ind., serving as administrative officer of the foundation. During his nearly 10-year tenure at Cummins, his positions ranged from senior program specialist in the program management department to profit planner in the finance department. Before leaving Cummins, Jesse furthered his education by earning his master of business administration degree in finance from Indiana University.

In 1974, Jesse and his family relocated to Lynchburg after accepting a manager’s position for financial programs in G.E.’s communication Systems business division. Jesse’s 37 years as a professional in Lynchburg were productive and challenging. After six years with G.E., he successfully launched his own company, becoming the owner and president of Access Printing, spanning more than 20 years of service in the Lynchburg community. Jesse retired in 2010.

In addition to his professional activities, Jesse was involved in a number of community humanitarian-based organizations, which included his serving as a board member of the Lynchburg Shelter Industry, the Free Clinic of Lynchburg and Camp Kum Ba Yah; and former board member and past president of Big Brothers and Sisters of Central Virginia.

Jesse’s contributions over the years were many. He was a former board member and past treasurer of the Information and Referral Center; a former board member of the Brookville High School Principal’s Advisory Council and was a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

But on a more personal note, Jesse, for example, was a formidable debater, capitalizing on his passionate spirit, his innate intelligence and his analytical perspectives on a myriad of social issues. To know Jesse, also, was to appreciate the humorous, light-hearted side of his personality — his infectious smile and his trademark greeting to all his female relatives and friends. There were always welcomed as “lovely ladies.”

Most admirable, however, was Jesse’s commitment. Jesse was a dedicated husband and father. He committed fully to his chosen career path and the imperative, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” These all anchored his essential being throughout his adult life.

Survivors include two daughters, Karen Seiferth Hicks of Richmond, Va., and Gina Seiferth St. John of Los Angeles; two grandchildren, Meaghan Bryce Henson and Taylor Austin Henson; one great-grandchild, Alvia Bryce Henson, all of Richmond; one sister, Forrestine S. Barnes and husband, Bernis, of Silver Spring, Md.; one brother-in-law, Larnell Franklin of Natchez; and a number of nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tougaloo College Office of Institutional Advancement, 500 W. County Line Road, Tougaloo, MS 39174 and/or the American Heart Association 4217, Park Place Court, Glen Allen, VA 23060, Heart.org.