Jessie James Fradieu, Sr.

Life Reflections

Jessie James Fradieu was born to Steve and Bessie (Shepherd) Fradieu on October 7, 1946 in Choplin, Louisiana.  His parents and first wife of 26 years, Jean Marie Morris preceded him in death.

Jessie loved the Lord and accepted Him as his Lord and Savior in 1993 at age 40. For many years he had a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.  One day he was challenged by a young man to examine his faith and was asked the question, “Do you know who Jesus is?” He replied and the young man told him that he was a fool.  Jessie prayed after the encounter and asked the Lord to reveal himself to him and his Christian journey began.  From then on, he did what thus said the Lord, preaching and teaching The Gospel.  He received his license to preach on September 19, 1993 and was ordained on August 13, 2000.

Mr. Jessie was truly a man after Gods’ own heart.  He mentored young people including many family members and always shared Christ with them.  He was dearly beloved by them all and they appreciated the way he imparted wisdom and knowledge into their lives.  He also volunteered at the Salvation Army and was well thought of and highly regarded.

He graduated from Saint Matthew High School in Melrose, Louisiana on May 19th, 1965 and attended Northwestern University in Louisiana.  In 1972 Jessie received his certificate in Construction Welding from Manhattan Area Vocational Technical School, Manhattan, Kansas.  In 1976 he received his Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Kansas City Kansas Community College.  He went on a few years later to receive an Auto Body certificate in 1979 from Kansas City Area Vocational Technical School in Kansas City, Kansas. Jessie continued to excel in his studies and took classes at the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas.  In 1994 he graduated from Friends University with a degree in Business Administration.  A year following his high school graduation he was drafted into the United States Army where he fought in the Vietnam War from June 9, 1966 to October 31, 1967. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service in connection with military operations against a hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam. In 1967 he was awarded the Purple Heart for Wounds received in action in the Republic of Vietnam.  On June 11, 1968. Mr. Fradieu was honorably discharged from the United States Army in 1972. He re-enlisted in the Army and was stationed in Fort Riley, Kansas where he was ranked as a Sergeant and received an award for outstanding service to the 1st Battalion, 2nd Infantry.

Jessie and his family moved to Kansas City, Kansas in 1970.  He retired from General Motors in 2002 after 30 ½ years of service.  During that time, he was a team leader and trainer. He was very knowledgeable and was often called upon to assist in various area of the plant.  He loved his family dearly and took exceptional care of them.  He was a man of many talents and wore many hats outside of his work at General Motors.  He did carpentry work, painted, repaired cars, plumbing, maintenance, and welding.  He never had to call anyone for repairs because HE was The Man!  Jessie and his wife, Pansey (AKA Miss Pam) started a family daycare in 1997 in the basement of their home.  Four years later they built a daycare from the ground up.  All the children fell in love with ‘Mr. Jessie’ and could not concentrate on their work because they were enamored with him.  They were so excited when they looked out of the window and saw him meticulously manicuring the lawn.

Mr. Jessie leaves to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy his loving and devoted wife of 25 years, Pansey Kirkwood-Fradieu of the home; Jessie James Fradieu, Jr. (LaTosha), Lithonia, Georgia; and Charlotte L. Fradieu-Nelson (Steve), Kansas City, Kansas; Felicia Randle, Kansas City, Kansas; Willie T. Randle, Dallas, Texas; and Isaiah J. Fradieu, Kansas City, Kansas; two brothers, George Fradieu (Stella), Kansas City, Kansas; Eddie Miller, Kansas City, Kansas; eleven grandchildren; and one great-grandson; a host of aunts, an uncle, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mr. Jessie was well loved and will truly be missed.

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