Jesse James Obregon, Jr. passed away peacefully in his childhood home on Monday, June 5, 2023 in Grand Forks, ND, at 67 years old.

Jesse was born on July 22, 1955 to Jesus Patrick Obregon and Epifania “Fanny” (Palacios) Obregon in Grand Forks, ND. After graduating from Central High School he enlisted in the United States Marines and went active duty in May 23, 1975 and served overseas in Okinawa Japan and transferred into the reserves in May of 1978 and eventually returned to Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center. He was honorably discharged April 21, 1981. 

After honorably serving, Jesse continued to serve by financially supporting all branches of the military and volunteering when he was able. He was so proud to be a Marine!

Jesse spent most of his civilian life in Grand Forks. He briefly lived in Florida however he was all about family, so it was not long and he moved back home. Growing up and being the big brother to four sisters, he babysat cousin Sandy’s children, delivered the “Grit” newspaper, worked at the Colonial Pancake House owned by uncle Teddy Obregon, worked at Triangle Bus Line and ended his working career at Simplot. He retired in 2020.

Along the way he made many friends. Jesse was a gentle soul and there was not one person who God placed in his path who did not admire and respect him. Everyone really liked Jesse. 

He was an avid NASCAR fan and his love for racing certainly started at the Grand Forks Speedway at a very young age. He loved the Minnesota Vikings and the Minnesota Twins. 

He loved fishing and he went any chance he got. He enjoyed cookouts, yard/gardening, feeding the birds, rabbits, squirrels or what he called his backyard friends, and birthday celebrations, especially his, which is why we choose to celebrate his life on this day. 

Jesse is survived by his daughter, Rebecca (Matthew) Booth from his relationship with Diana Campbell, Rhonda Briss (his first wife), step-daughter, Sarah (child from his second wife Catherine Ganyo), Three grandchildren Jennifer Booth, Eric Booth and Isabella Booth. 

Jesse is also survived by his mother, Epifania; four sisters, Rachel Anderson, Suzanna (the late Roy) Hayes, Diana Obregon, and Lisa (the late Edward Sr.) VanWinkle along with nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

Jesse is preceded in death by his father, Jesus; his son, Justin Pigeon and Justin’s mother, Sandra Pigeon, and his second wife, Catherine.

A committal service will take place at Fargo National Cemetery in Fargo, ND at a later date.

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers for Jesse and his family.

 Memorial Service:  11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 22, 2023 in the Historic Norman Funeral Home Chapel.
Family Greeting:  One hour prior to the Memorial Service in the funeral home on Saturday.
Military Honors:  Accorded by the American Legion Post 157, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3817 and the United States Marine Corps Honor Guard.
Interment:  At a later date in Fargo National Cemetery, Fargo, ND.

https://www.normanfuneral.com/obituary/jesse-obregon-jr