Jesse Boland

Although he was taken from his loved ones much too soon, Jesse Boland lived every day to the fullest while holding his loved ones near. He was adventurous and free spirited, yet at times he could be a bit reserved, too. There was no one who met Jesse and left unchanged as he was vibrant, fun-loving, and a no frills sort of guy. A stranger to none and a friend to all, his outgoing and approachable demeanor drew others near with ease. Jesse worked hard in whatever he did, driven by his desire to give everything his all. He will be deeply missed while the priceless collection of memories he leaves behind will remain forever near and dear to the hearts and lives of all who were blessed to know and love him.

The 1990s were an extraordinary time in our nation. It was the age of technology when the World Wide Web and instant messaging became part of our vocabulary. Madonna and Michael Jackson continued to top the charts while bands like Nirvana brought us a whole new style of music. Amidst this unforgettable time was a time of great celebration for a second-time mother and father from the small town of Newaygo, Michigan, as they welcomed a healthy baby boy into their hearts and home. Jesse’s birth was met with a bit of drama as he was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck. His mother, Kandy, was understandably worried when she saw how gray in color her newborn son was, causing her to scream out to those in the room to please make her baby cry! Waves of relief washed over her when he let out a wail that couldn’t be missed, and for the rest of her life that will remain one of the best cries she will ever hear. Weighing in at eight pounds, six ounces, Jesse brought such joy to his mother and father that day and in every day that followed.

The middle of three children, Jesse was joined in his family by his brother, Jerry, and his sister, Clarissa. He was a bustle of activity who continually kept his parents on their toes. Jesse’s father, Gary, worked as a mechanic while his mother was a restaurant manager. When he was three years old it came as no surprise when he decided to take his training wheels off all by himself since his brother was riding around without them. Jesse took off down the road piloting his bike, only to get to the end of the road and fall in the grass. With gravel embedded in his knees and chin, they headed in to the emergency room where he had everything taken out. Of course as soon as he got back home he was right back on his bike to try it again! Jesse played soccer, basketball, and wrestled.

Even though he was a bit hard to contain at times, Jesse was also smart as a whip. He loved taking things apart just to see how they worked. For a time that family car was one that could only be started with a screwdriver - a feat most adults could not accomplish. One cold morning at the young age of four Jesse came in proudly proclaiming that the car was warming up since he had mastered the perfect technique.

One of the things Jesse loved most was having fun, and it was even better when he was having fun alongside his family and friends. A vacation that he loved most was spent in the Wisconsin Dells where going out on the boat tour through the rocks was one of his favorite parts. Jesse loved it when the boat spun around and got everyone wet. There was also the time they went to Michigan Adventure as a family, and since Jerry was a bit leery of going on the rides it was Jesse who went on every ride with his sister. Another memorable time was when he went tubing with his family and lost his shorts while out on the water. It was something to see when Jesse was caught wearing only his underwear! He was very close to all of his grandparents including his grandpas, Gary, Steve, and Dan, and it has also been said that Jesse was a bit of a momma’s boy. He was also close to his siblings and was very clear in telling Clarissa that she needs to finish school. Jesse deeply loved his family and would do anything for them. His dog, Hootch, was like another member of the family to him. On one occasion his dog had an allergic reaction so Jesse raced him next door to the vet tech who lived there. Together they saved his dog, and Jesse was so upset that he cried the whole time.

Jesse worked hard as a young man. He was a student at local schools including Newaygo High School, however, he completed his GED at Comstock Alternative High School in December of 2013. Jesse loved to work and was most recently working full-time at Magma, which was a job he got into through a temp agency. He loved his work there and was doing his best in an attempt to get hired on. Jesse was also there to help others with whatever needed to be done whether snow plowing or cutting and stacking wood among other odds and ends.

As his family and friends can attest, Jesse was a laid back and fun-loving guy who was pretty easy to please. He made everyone smile and had an infectious laughter. Jesse was a casual guy as he was most often found in a pair of jeans and T-shirt, and he loved things like fishing, camping in the woods, and riding around on the quad. Jesse loved music, and the louder the better as far as he was concerned. He was driven to succeed - the sort of person who set goals and set right out to accomplish them. Jesse was so proud to earn his GED and also of getting his first job.

All who knew Jesse Boland would agree that he was truly a blessing. He was willing to help anyone with anything, and he was such a joy to know and love. Jesse’s smile was amazing, and his eyes were stunning. He loved his family and was a loving son, brother, uncle, and friend. Someone who spread happiness to everyone everywhere, Jesse will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Jesse’s family includes his parents, Kandy and Gary Johnson; sister, Clarissa Boland; brother Jerry Boland; and nieces, Scarlette Boland and Serencty Sicard. Jesse was preceded in death by his stepdad, James Lovett.