Rev. Jesse "Jack" Land

Rev. Jesse “Jack” Land, 92, passed into the presence of his Lord on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at Hocks Family Pavilion in Durham.

His funeral service will be held at 2:00pm, on Monday October 16, 2023, at Vance Street Baptist Church, 1614 Vance Street, with burial to follow at Reidlawn Cemetery, 1530 Barnes Street. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service, from 1:00-2:00pm.

Jesse J. Land, Jr., born on July 31, 1931, in Reidsville, NC, was the tenth of twelve children to parents Jesse J. Land, Sr. and Ellen Rice. His life journey commenced at the tender age of 16 when he joined the military, dedicating eight years of service.  He received accolades and was honored with a soldier's medal for his heroic act of saving a child from drowning. Transitioning into civilian life, Jesse chose to serve his community as a police officer in Greensboro, North Carolina. His dedication to ensuring safety and upholding justice was unwavering, earning him the respect of his colleagues and the admiration of the community he served.

In pursuit of new horizons, Jesse explored various professions, managing a tile company in Greensboro, showcasing his versatility and managerial acumen. Later, he ventured into the hospitality industry, becoming a hotel owner in the coastal town of Carolina Beach. These experiences reflected his innate ability to adapt to change and embrace new challenges.

However, it was his calling to spread the word of faith that truly defined his life's purpose. As a Southern Baptist minister, Jesse devoted himself to nurturing the spiritual well-being of communities at the First Baptist Church in Kure Beach, North Carolina, Wampee Baptist Church in Wampee, South Carolina, Lebanon Baptist Church in Bolivia, North Carolina and Vance Street Baptist Church in Reidsville, North Carolina.

During his ministry at Kure Beach Baptist Church he authored a weekly column entitled "What's Happening for the Lord".  Each week he informed readers about church activities and provided spiritual encouragement.  Among his many notable accomplishments, Jesse helped to establish the North Myrtle Beach Christian School in Wampee, South Carolina, in 1992,  highlighting his commitment to education and faith.

During the early 1960s, Jesse met his beloved spouse, Betty Jessup, at a private investigator firm where they both worked, defying company rules to later marry and share a life blessed with children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and even great great grandchildren! 

Jesse's interests and hobbies were a reflection of his kind-hearted and playful nature. He loved his many dogs and found solace in gardening and traveling. Music was a significant part of his life, singing gospel tunes and enjoying the piano played by his great-grandson in his later years. Clowning was another facet of his personality, attending Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey clown school, and bringing smiles to children's faces through his character, Jocko.

On his 90th birthday, Jesse retired from his ministerial role, leaving behind a legacy of service, love, and laughter. He was outgoing and friendly, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met. His charismatic presence and the warmth of his heart will be remembered by all who had the honor of knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ellen and Jesse Land Sr.; wife, Betty Jessup Land; daughter, Riconda Land Moore; 6 brothers and 5 sisters.

Jack is survived by his daughter, Rhonda Ford and husband, Bill; son, Ricky Land and wife, April; grandchildren,  Trinity Jessie, Everett Ford, Candace Ford, William Ford, Sabrina Land, Hannah Land; great-grandchildren, Haley, Quintin, Conner, Scotlyn, Harper, Kalina, Graylynn, Scarlett, Koltyn, Jesse, Myriam; and two great-great-grandchildren, Wesley Colton and Noah in addition to numerous other extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Vance Street Baptist Church, c/o Sabrina Powell, 707 King Street, Reidsville, NC 27320.