Jesse James Roper

Jesse James Roper, 79, passed away on June 4, 2023 at Advent Health Shawnee Mission in Merriam, KS. He was born on December 11, 1943 to Willie D. Roper and Mary A. (Perkins) Roper in Luverne, AL. He was the second of five children born to this union. He began his early education in Dozier, Alabama. The family moved to Atchison, Kansas in November, 1953. The late Rev. WW Betton baptized Jesse at Campbell Chapel AME Church, Atchison, KS in 1954.

Jesse graduated from Atchison High School, class of 1961. After graduation he and his brother, Willie, joined the United States Marine Corps and were stationed together in South and North Carolina for two years. While they were stationed in North Carolina they went on three deployments to the Caribbean Sea, and one to the Mediterranean Sea. Jesse met Gladys Parris,

while on a three-month deployment in the Dominican Republic. They were later married, and his brother Willie was his Best Man. Jesse received transfer orders to Hawaii, and Willie received transfer orders to Washington State. Two daughters were born in Hawaii, Zina, and Abby. After Hawaii he was transferred to California, and then to Viet Nam where he saw combat action in Northern South Vietnam. Jesse was honorably discharged after serving over ten years in the United States Marine Corps. Jesse relocated his family to Palm Springs, CA where his son, Sean, was born.

After the dissolvement of his first marriage, Jesse was introduced to Flossie (Sweet) Ingram-Flint by his co-worker while employed at the Veterans Administration Police Department; the co-worker was also Sweet’s cousin. It was a match! They wed on March 22, 1982 where they remained in this union until his passing. Jesse and Sweet loved to travel, and they have driven across the country numerous times. Jesse wanted to visit every state in the union. Often, Mayron, (Big) Cynthia, and Greg accompanied them on their trips. Jesse loved attending family reunions, whether it was his family, or Sweet’s. The state of Oklahoma, was the road most traveled, the state where Sweet was born. As often as they could, they would travel to visit family in Oklahoma City and Tulsa. Jesse was intrigued as he drove through the small town of Boley, Oklahoma, listening as Sweet narrated memories from her childhood. Jesse and Sweet enjoyed taking photos and videos of all their travels and kinfolk, gathering a wealth of memories. They also loved to host family and friends from out of town, and opened their doors to many throughout the years.

Jesse began his higher education at the junior college in Palm Springs, California where he played on the football team at the age of 30. He continued his college education at Highland Community College where he received his AA degree in Administration of Justice. He was employed by the Atchison Police Department and Olathe Police Department.

He received his police training at the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Facility in Hutchison, KS. Later, he began employment with the United States Government GSA as a Federal Police Officer. His training for this position was in Glenco, GA where he received many honors. Other positions he held were with the Veterans Administration Medical Center Police Department and several positions with the United States Postal Service. Retiring from the USPS with twenty years of service.

During Jesse’s lifetime, he coached little league football, baseball, and basketball. He helped develop the YBA in Atchison, KS. The program was established through the National Basketball Association and the YMCA. He coached the Palm Springs High School boys basketball team to the state championship victory in 1972.

Jesse was preceded in death by: Parents (Willie D. and Mary A.), 3 brothers (William, Willie L., and Bill), sister (Mary L. Russell), daughter, (Abby Gail), son, (Sean P.), step-son, (Daryl Flint), 2 step-grandsons, (DeAndrei Byers), (Dwan Brooks)

Jesse is survived by: His wife, Flossie Flint-Roper, daughter, Zina F. Jenkins, stepdaughter, Cynthia L. Flint, 17 grandchildren, 13-great-grandchildren, 4-sisters-in-law, Dorothy Roper, Peggy Roper, Mayron Johnson, Cynthia Collins (Greg), 3-brothers-in-law, Richard Ingram (Ruthie), Donald Ingram (Rene), Tony Ingram, 3-Step brothers, Marvin Clayter (Brenda), Roy Clayter (Debbie), Jerry Clayter (Angie), and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends

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