NEW SHARON – John R. “Jack” Jessop Jr., 62, of New Sharon, died peacefully at home on June 5, surrounded by his family and friends.

He was born June 25, 1943, in Pawtucket, R.I., the son of John R. and Doris M. (Sutcliffe) Jessop. Jack grew up in Pawtucket and Riverside, where he met his wife, Theresa, of 39 years.

After 37 years of living in East Providence and raising their family, they retired in New Sharon.

After he graduated from East Providence High School, he joined the Army, attended basic training at Fort Bliss in Texas and joined the 43rd Brigade of the Rhode Island National Guard. In 1985, he graduated from the Command Sergeant Major Academy and was promoted to master sergeant with the 118th Military Police Battalion and served with them in Operation Desert Storm in Kuwait and Iraq.

Upon returning home, he built his house with his sons, family and friends in New Sharon. He retired after 31 years as a service representative. He was a licensed Massachusetts electrician and a Rhode Island honorary deputy sheriff. He was able to travel throughout the world during his life.

He was an avid cribbage player, enjoyed carpentry projects, and collected HO trains and John Deere novelties. He was kind and considerate of all people and always willing to lend a helping hand.

He was always a loving father to his many children who survive him, Jonathan and his girlfriend, Sara, Todd, John III and his wife, Victoria, Steve and Dave and his wife, Christine; and was a devoted grandfather to John IV and Hope Rose; two brothers, Ronald and James; a sister, Elizabeth Chapman; his loving dog, Julio; and many neighbors and friends, who loved him greatly.

He was predeceased by his parents.