In 1979, the US experienced the Three Mile Island nuclear accident, severe energy shortages
that prompted rationing of gasoline, and the beginning of the Iranian Hostage Crisis. In less
existential news, “My Sharona” was the number one pop song, and fashion included late disco
glamour, high-waisted designer denim, and platform shoes for both women and men.
If 1979 seems like forever ago, then wrap your brain around this: Marietta Public Schools’ Harry
Jessie began a teaching/coaching career that has spanned almost half of a century and four
schools – and right now, Jessie is in the final lap of his farewell tour. After 47 years in public
education, Jessie is retiring.
Jessie, who graduated from Frederick High School in 1975, headed for Cameron University
where in 1979, he earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education with a minor in
Psychology. He then taught in Frederick for three years, Elgin for one, and Dickson for 16 years
before heading to Marietta, where he’s been in the business of training the next generations of
Indians for 27 years.
During Jessie’s career, he’s coached football, boys’ and girls’ basketball, baseball and softball,
and taught Psychology, Sociology, and History. But he is best known – and loved – for the 19
years he spent teaching elementary PE in Marietta.
The truly amazing part about those years that Jessie was teaching elementary PE is the
thousands of relationships fostered with his students. They grew to love him and almost all of
them would give their beloved Coach Jessie the last dollar they had or the shirt off their back.
My youngest son is one of those former students and a member of the Coach Jessie Fan Club.
During a recent conversation when I told him that Coach Jessie was retiring, he headed down a
rabbit hole of stories. His best memory about Coach Jessie had nothing to do with PE, but still
well illustrates the impact of the man.
“I remember one day I was in third or fourth grade. It was cold and drizzling and I was walking
by one of the old pods, hunched over, hands in my pockets. Coach Jessie was walking at the
same time and he stopped me and said, ‘Son, stand up straight and tall and carry yourself with
pride! Posture says a lot about you, so act like you are proud of who you are.’ I’ve forgotten a lot
about school, but that stuck with me. Even now, whenever I walk, I try to keep my head high and
look people in the eye. I’m 34 years old, but I still clearly remember that.”
Lindsey Shankles Ramon, who played softball for Coach Jessie also has great memories.
“He was one of the best coaches I ever had,” said Ramon. “He was passionate about playing
well and winning, but he was also patient and kind. He always had time to help me whenever I
struggled with a skill, and he’s one of the most encouraging coaches I ever had.”
But perhaps none of Coach Jessie’s former students has a more unique perspective from which
to view him than Marietta’s Athletic Director, Tanica Anderson because she’s also had the
opportunity to work with him as an adult.
“As a lifelong athlete, PE was naturally the highlight of my elementary school years,”
remembered Anderson. “Coach Jessie was a source of encouragement, always pushing us to
step outside our comfort zones. I still smile when I remember the boys who doubted him when
he claimed they couldn’t outrun me – they certainly learned the hard way.
“Throughout my high school years, and even after I became a colleague, Coach Jessie
remained a vital mentor, consistently offering wisdom and support. He is truly one of a kind, and
his presence in the field of education will be deeply missed.”
Jessie’s career has survived a tremendous amount of change. In 1979, computers weren’t used
in public education. Now, they’ve taken over several parts of the field, but Jessie took those
changes in stride. He’s seen the job become more difficult and filled with responsibility, but he’s
managed to overcome those hurdles, too. And through all those changes, the only negative
comment he shared concerns the lack of raises for people in education.
It’s easy to see why Jessie is practically a legend at Marietta, and why he has earned the love
and respect of his colleagues, students, and student athletes throughout the last 27 years. And
although they hate to see him go, they know that he has more than earned some time to do
what he wants to do.
There’s no doubt that Jessie will be missed, but what will he miss?
“I’ve been able to build a lot of relationships with a lot of people, and I’ve been able to see many
of my students prosper,” he said. “I will miss that, along with the respect that I have received
from students, which I truly appreciate. I will miss the daily routine of seeing my students and
the other teachers.”
In addition to his teaching and coaching duties during the school year, Jessie has worked part
time during summers with the Chickasaw Nation. But now he’s ready to slow way down and
focus on enjoying life, spending his time with his wife, children, and his granddaughter, watching
his son Kyle coaching, and playing some golf.
For 47 years, Harry Jessie has invested himself in the lives of thousands of students in the
classroom and on the playing fields, building a legacy of hard work and good character, while
earning the respect and admiration of generations of families. But all good things must end, and
Jessie’s career is one of those things.
“Marietta Schools will not be the same without Coach Jessie,” said Superintendent Brandi
Naylor. “Even in this final year, he is still imparting his wisdom to students and staff. Although he
will be dearly missed, we all know he has earned this rest and we wish him many years of
happy retirement.”