JESSOME, Joseph Earl

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Earl Jessome, age 77, of North Sydney, NS on Tuesday April 4, 2017 at his home after a lengthy illness.

Joe was born in Sydney Mines on October 23, 1939. He was the son of the late William and Melvina (MacLeod) Jessome.

As a young man, he was in the army for nine years before moving to Ontario, where he lived and worked until 1990. He retired back to Cape Breton Island because he considered it the most beautiful place on earth. He spent 24 years in Big Bras d’Or where he enjoyed reading military history, watching Jeopardy, walking his dogs, bird-watching and gardening.

Joe is survived by his former wife, Gloria Hoeg and their four children, Nicholas Hoeg, Ghouls, NL, Earl Jessome, Hamilton, ON, Donna Jessome, Jasper, AB and Tanya Jessome, ON. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren. He was in a common-law relationship with Gail Tomlinson for 37 years and is survived by her and her two daughters, Lori and Susan Tomlinson. Joe was the eldest of eight children. He is survived by a brother, Billy (Lynn) Jessome, Calgary, AB; his sisters, Laura (Donnie) MacDonald, North Sydney, NS and Betty Mugford, ON, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Joe was predeceased by his sisters, Sharon (Reno) MacInnis, Sydney Mines, Dolena (Sis) Pye, Florence and Paulette Matthews, Halifax; his brother, William (Brother) Jessome of Florence.

In accordance with Joe’s wishes, there will be no visitation or memorial service. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant St., North Sydney.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.wjdooley.com.