Jesse was born August 25, 1942, in Whiteville, Tennessee to James and Gracie (Polk) Harvey. He was the oldest of six siblings, Mattie Flagg, Alberta Brooks (L.T.-deceased), Willie Harvey, Milton Harvey (Dorothy-deceased), Eugene Harvey, and Lester Harvey (Dawn).  As a child he attended Antioch Baptist Church under Pastor C.H. Murphy, where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Personal Savior.  He cherished his time as a child and frequently shared memories of growing up on the farm and spending time with his cousins J.C. (deceased) and Lee.  He had a passion for playing sports, particularly basketball and baseball.   He stayed active for much of his life officiating basketball, baseball and softball. He also was an avid bowler that competed for decades in local bowling leagues.  He was a true sports fan you could find him listening to the Indians on his transistor radio or tuned into the Browns or Cavaliers depending on the season. 

Jesse grew up in Whiteville, TN and graduated from Allen White High School in 1961.  After receiving his high school diploma, he went on to study physical education at Lane College where he was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in 1967.  During his time at Lane College, he joined the Beta Pi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated (1965). 

After obtaining his degree, Jesse moved to Lorain, Ohio and taught for three years in the Lorain City Schools.  In 1970 he moved to Cleveland, Ohio and continued his career for the next 30 plus years in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.  He obtained his master’s degree in 1979 from Cleveland State University. He retired from CMSD in 2004. 

During his time working for CMSD he met a fellow educator, Delores (deceased).  They were united in holy matrimony in 1970.  Dad loved spending time with his family and had a profound impact on youth.  He had a personality that attracted others, and everyone benefited from his wisdom.  He didn’t waste words, and you knew when he started talking to listen closely.  After retirement he returned to his hometown of Jackson, TN where he spent his days with his siblings and enjoyed the companionship of Ora Jean.  His last 3 years of life were spent in Upper Marlboro, MD with his youngest son and the 2 youngest grandchildren where you would find him sitting on the couch talking about life in the Jim Crow south between homework and running the grandkids to and from practice.  

Jesse joined his ancestors on March 29, 2025.  He leaves behind five children: Charla, Jessie Jr. (Romanda), Jesse Lamont, Andre (Erica deceased) and Monique (deceased); seven grandchildren Jazmine, Lindsey (Eric), Jessica, E.J., Kayla, Devin and Sydney; 3 great grandchildren Kyah, Reign, and Amyah; a host of nephews, nieces, family and friends.