Jesse William Stafford

Jesse William Stafford, 36, of Rockford, Illinois passed away June 24, 2021. Born December 23, 1984 in Hammond, Indiana, the son of Dan Yngve Stafford and Lynn Marie Stafford. Born again believer at Temple of the Holy Spirit. He attended Rockford University pursing his degree in Business. Jesse also as known for being the most awesome chef in the world.

Jesse loved reading, history, card games, video games, skateboarding, knives, dogs, children’s camp, cigarettes, bacon and beer, music, guitar, 6o’s and 70’s oldies and fireworks.

Jesse is survived by his mother, Lynn Stafford; father, Dan Yngve Stafford; brother, Christian; Aunts; Uncles; Cousins; Beloved Friends; Clergy; Mentors; Professors; and the love of his life, Autumn.

Please make memorial contributions to Carpenter’s Place. Their Mission Carpenter’s Place provides the tools necessary to rebuild the lives of the homeless. Inspired by Christ’s compassion. Carpenter’s Place offers direction with accountability to people with broken lives, helping them find peace with God themselves, and their community. Please donate in the name of Jesse William Stafford. Jesse worked as a chef here for lunches. Carpenter’s Place, 1149 Railroad Avenue, Rockford, IL  61104. www.carpentersplace.org Registered 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry and gifts are tax deductable.

Lynn Marie Stafford (Mother)

Jesse began each day with prayer asking God for grace, mercy, protection, health and peace.  He lived each day with love, compassion, an infectious smile and a sense of humor.  He would help anyone he could in any way, anywhere.  He was a private man who would take risks at his own expense.  He loved the bible and would teach anyone who would listen. He cherished his time at Children’s Camp and loved family especially his brother Christian.  He lived life to the fullest and had a kind word for everyone who touched his life.  Jesse taught me to live each day to the fullest because tomorrow is not guaranteed.  Jesse would say, “Mom why are you thinking about that?  God will take care of it!” Jesse was a gift to everyone whose life he touched.  It is not what we have lost but what we have gained by knowing him. Jesse was a loner, he blazed his own trails, climbed over stuff, jumped off stuff, fell off stuff, through and into stuff.  He like the change of perspective, the feeling of freedom, being happy on the edge of things.  If Jesse invited you to dinner expect to eat at midnight. Jesse was caring, sensitive and polite.  He concealed his sensitivity most of the time.  Only a mother knows the heart of her child and the miracles that God has performed.  I am so thankful for every second I spent with him, sharing God’s Word and celebrating his accomplishments. We have cried and laughed together and he was at the top of his game in life and now at peace until his savior Jesus Christ returns with no more pain, sorrow, sickness, only joy.

Christian Luke Stafford (Brother)

Jesse William Stafford, you were my brother, protector, friend, confidant, mentor and my halo partner. Words will never be able to properly portray what you meant to me. Your passing has left a giant hole in my heart and in my life. My love for you never stopped and never will, and I hope that it was never questioned. You’re going to be missed beyond belief, your smile and infectious positive attitude and personality made the world a brighter place. I’m thankful for the memories we made together but morn the ones we will never get to make because you were taken too soon. You were tough, smart, handsome and most of all loving and that love, that huge heart that you had for people will be how you are remembered. You always were and forever will be my best friend and someone I look up to and hold dear to my heart. Even through the worst times we always made sure to tell each other that we loved one another and that couldn’t be changed by anyone or anything. Until we meet again on Christ’s return I will hold you dear to my heart and keep the loving memory of you alive and well in the world.

Autumn Marie Alderman (Beloved Love and Soul Mate of Jesse’s life)

Jesse, my soulmate, my partner in crime, my sunshine. You always told me to never stop shining my light. But it's been nothing but a cloudy day since you've left this earth.  I will always cherish the late nights, playing cards with you. The straight up debauchery we'd get ourselves into. I will always hold you closest to my heart. Never will I forget the immediate connection that we had together, and I often wonder if I'll ever find that again. I wouldn't trade the last year we had together, along with the memories we made, for anything.  For you, I'll never stop shining my light, sweetheart. Rest easy, my gentle soul and heart of gold. You'll always be missed but never forgotten.

“Understanding is incomplete now, but one day I will understand everything, just as everything about me has been fully understood.  Until then, there are three things that remain: faith, hope, and love – yet love surpasses them all. So above all else, let love be the beautiful prize for which you run”

                                                          - I Corinthians 13:12b, 13 (Passion Version)

A celebration of life is being planned. Please visit back for updated service information.

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