Jessie Dixson Sr.

Jessie, aka Blue or Moon, James Dixson, Sr., 72 of Freeport, IL, passed away on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 surrounded by his loving family at the VA Hospital of Madison, Wisconsin.

Jessie was born on March 1, 1953 in Tutwiler, Mississippi to the late Essie Mae McClain Dixson and the late Ollie Lacey. Jessie moved to Freeport, IL in 1962 with his Aunt Goldie Bell Davis at the age of 9. While residing in Freeport, Jessie took up many sports such as basketball, baseball, football and track, all while attending Freeport Jr. and Sr. High School. He was very athletic. During his adulthood, Jessie played softball for the Silver Knights and Harold’s Tap. Shortly after Jessie joined the US Army and the National Guard from 1981 to 1992. Jessie took great pride in serving his country. Jessie was also a member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church.

Before joining the Army, Jessie met Kathleen Turner in 1970 and soon after they were married in 1974. Jessie and Kathleen gave much love to their children, Marva Yvette, Chantellia Jene’, Anthony, Tremana and Jessie Jr. Jessie started driving trucks after he retired from the Army after which he had become the proud owner of Blue’s BBQ and finally Essie Mae’s BBQ. Jessie loved entertaining the public with his delicious ribs, catfish and his special BBQ sauce.

Jessie leaves to cherish his memories, his 3 sons, Anthony, Tremana, Jessie, Jr. (LaTasha), 2 daughters, Marva Yvette, and Chantellia Jene, 7 siblings, Emmie Dixson of Houston, TX, Jerleane (James) Fleming, Jr. of Hanover Park, IL, Earleane (Terry) Johnson of Henderson, NV, Betty Dixson of Freeport, IL, Henry (Tawana) Dixson of Dallas, TX, Hazel Farrar of Houston, TX, and Sam (Yolanda) Dixson of Dekalb, IL. Grandchildren, Kei’Asia Dixson, Tycia Dixson, Montrell Dixson, Laquarion Parker, Hayden Dixson, Kaleb Dixson, Marquell Dixson, La’Riah McGee, Janiylah Dixson and Jessie Dixson III, Jerimiah Martin, Anthony Frank, Areesa Easter, Amarious Lawrence, Daja Wilson, Asante Euell, Cierra White, Adam Euell, Chatece Euell, Carmaletta Euell, Anthony Euell, Jr., Makhi Pomlee, Shyla Pomlee, Juaquin Pomlee, Cinique and Celestine Euell, Janaya Kirkland, Olivia Davis, Leonte Davis, and Niyiiah Davis and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins. Special aunt, Annie Mae McClain and special uncle, Lendell McClain.

Proceeding him in death are his parents, Essie Mae McClain Dixson (mother), Ollie Lacey (father) and Leroy Dixson (brother).