Jesse Edward Roberts, age 53, of Murray City, Ohio, passed away on July 14, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on March 21, 1973, Jesse was the son of the late Eddie L. Roberts of Nelsonville and Judy Roberts of Nelsonville.

Jesse was the devoted husband of Shawna Roberts, with whom he shared 31 years of marriage and 37 years of bliss. Together they built a life centered on love, laughter, family, and friendship. He was a proud father to Tyler Roberts and Kylie Roberts, both of whom were the pride and joy of his life.

A 1991 graduate of Nelsonville-York High School, Jesse dedicated 31 years of service to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, spending his career at Hocking Correctional Institute and Southeastern Correctional Institution. He was also proud to have served his country as a member of the United States Army.

Jesse’s passion for helping and mentoring others extended far beyond his profession. He coached wrestling at Trimble Local Schools from 2007 to 2023 and spent many years there coaching youth football and wrestling throughout the community. Along with his work at Trimble, he also spent time coaching and volunteering at Athens City Schools and Nelsonville York Schools. Jesse also served as an Assistant Scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts for more than 10 years. Through coaching and mentoring, Jesse influenced countless young people, teaching lessons that extended well beyond the field, forest, and wrestling mat.

Jesse enjoyed camping, hiking, traveling, and cheering on his beloved Michigan Wolverines football team. He held a special place in his heart for Spain and treasured the memories made there with his wife. More than any destination, however, his favorite place was wherever he could spend time with family and friends.

Jesse’s greatest legacy will not be found in the years he spent serving his country, coaching young athletes, or in his 31 years with the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. His legacy lives in the people he loved and the countless lives he touched along the way.

He was a devoted husband, proud father, loyal friend, trusted coworker, and mentor to many. Whether around a wrestling mat, on a football field, at work, or sitting around a campfire, Jesse had a gift for making people feel welcome. He made people feel like they belonged.

Of all the roles he held throughout his life, none meant more to him than being Shawna’s husband and Tyler and Kylie’s dad. For 31 years, Jesse and Shawna built a life grounded in love, laughter, friendship, and unwavering commitment to one another. He was endlessly proud of his children and treasured every opportunity to spend time with his family, whether on vacation, around a campfire, cheering on his favorite teams, or simply enjoying life’s everyday moments. His greatest joy was being surrounded by the people he loved most, and the love he had for his family was evident in everything he did.

In addition to his wife, children, and mother Judy, Jesse is survived by his brother, Charles Roberts; sister, Susan Barron; his mother-in-law, Ladonna Wiblin; brother-in-law, Ron Wiblin; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, coworkers, former athletes, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his father, Eddie L. Roberts.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Warren-Brown Funeral home in Nelsonville, Ohio on Friday, July 17, 2026. Calling hours will be from 1:00-3:00 and his services will start at 3:30. A dinner to follow at Presbyterian Church on East Washington Street in Nelsonville, Ohio.  

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that those attending bring a photograph of themselves with Jesse and write a memory, message, or their name on the back. These photographs will become a treasured keepsake for Shawna, Tyler, and Kylie and serve as a reminder of the many lives Jesse touched.

Though his absence leaves a void that can never be filled, Jesse’s laughter, loyalty, friendship, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.