Sunday, August 18th, 1974 - Friday, August 27th, 2021
Jesse James Donaldson, quick with a smile and a nod of his hat, was passionate about his cattle, family, and friends. He was born on August 18, 1974, in Columbus, NE to Jim and Coleen (Fritzges) Donaldson. Jesse and his sister, Jamie were born into the cattle industry where the family managed cattle operations in NE, MI, MO, OK, TX, and CO. Jesse followed in his father’s footsteps selecting, feeding, and showing seed stock cattle. As much as he loved the cattle, he loved the people and the industry experiences more. His favorite cattle show was the National Western Stock Show in Denver, CO, an event he participated in for 40 consecutive years.
Jesse attended Valley High School in Gilcrest, CO where he immersed himself in the agricultural program showing many “great ones”, including several state and national champions and showmanship wins. Jesse had many successes, including being a member of the State Champion 4-H Livestock Judging Team, the State Champion FFA Dairy Cattle Judging Team, and the State Champion FFA Parliamentary Procedure Team. The leadership and public speaking events sparked a passion for Jesse, and he served as the 1993-94 Colorado State FFA President and was awarded his American FFA Degree in 1994.
His college career started at Northeastern Junior College in Sterling, CO where he was a member of the Reserve National Champion Livestock Judging Team. Jesse completed his college studies at Oklahoma State University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science with a concentration in Livestock Merchandising.
After college, Jesse met Lisa Tesconi through the Northwest District Junior Livestock Show in Enid, OK. He volunteered as the Beef Superintendent of this show for many years. They married on October 8, 2006, at the Heavenly Resort in Lake Tahoe, CA. Family and traditions were very important to Jesse and selecting October 8th as their wedding date was extra special because it was also his parent’s and grandparent’s anniversary.
Jesse and Lisa started Donaldson Land and Cattle Company with a group of bred cows from Jesse’s parents. As the cattle operation grew, so did their family with the birth of their daughter, Jenna Kathryn, in the summer of 2008. In 2011, they settled on their home ranch in Drummond, OK where Jenna is continuing the family tradition of showing cattle across the country. Nothing made Jesse prouder than watching her in the ring.
Jesse was very creative, braiding horsehair into jewelry and making rope creations from old lariats. He could salvage just about everything with electrical tape and rope. Jesse, age 47, passed away unexpectedly from a brief illness on August 27, 2021. His friendly, outgoing personality and wit will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
A Memorial Service honoring his life will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, September 5, 2021, at Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home in Enid, OK, with Reverend Tommy Donaldson officiating. The burial service will follow at Imo Cemetery.
A memorial scholarship in memory of Jesse for the Northwest District Junior Livestock Show has been established. Contributions may be mailed or delivered to Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home at 2800 N. Van Buren, Enid, Oklahoma 73703, or donations may be made to the Jenna Donaldson Educational Fund. Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home will be the custodian of the funds.
Condolences may be made to the family online at www.LadusauEvans.com. Ladusau-Evans has been serving the families of the Enid Community and surrounding areas for over 40 years with compassionate service and dedication. They provide families with an open door policy. Feel free to contact them 24 hours a day. Visitation Hours: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm daily, 2800 N. Van Buren, Enid, OK 73703. Call: (580) 233-1400.
Obituaries are posted, in part, due to the generosity of The Commons.
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