Jesse Lee Scutchfield

Jesse Lee Scutchfield, 53, of Rolling Prairie, Indiana passed away surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, April 21 after a brief, but hard-fought, battle with cancer. Jesse will long be remembered as a man of many talents…accomplished musician and performer, skilled carpenter, great cook, and motor head. But, above all, he’ll be remembered as a beloved husband, father, son, and brother, a loyal, generous, and caring friend, and all-around great guy. Jesse is survived by his wife of almost 25 years, Monika (Goetz), son James, daughter Abigail, daughter Keiara, grandson Kurt, mother Alexia (Sis) Scutchfield, brother and sister-in-law Joel and Jill Scutchfield, sister and brother-in-law Jodi (Scutchfield) and Mark Thyen, parents-in-law Siggy and Anne Goetz, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Corina Goetz and Don Mildrum, 6 nieces, 3 nephews, 1 great niece and 4 great nephews, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins whom he adored. Jesse was preceded in death by his father, James Scutchfield. Born on December 22, 1970 to Alexia (“Sis” Grzymalski) and James Scutchfield, Jesse grew up mainly in the North Judson area. He is a 1989 graduate of North Judson-San Pierre High School, where he made lifelong friends too numerous to count. Jesse dabbled in college at Purdue University and Columbia College in Chicago. He also trained in the Carpenter’s Union 215 Apprentice Program out of Lafayette. But, his primary source of higher education was through hands-on work with others. Whether in music, carpentry, cooking, or cars, as a lifelong learner, he never missed an opportunity to learn by doing. And, by the same token, he loved to share what he knew by teaching others. An entertainer from an early age, Jesse loved making people laugh and impressing them with silly jokes and tricks when he was young. Growing up in a musical family, Jesse started playing guitar as a boy, first learning the basics from his Dad and his brother, Joel, and continuing to pick up skills from other family and friends by jamming together whenever possible. Jesse had a natural sense of musicality and timing and would spend hours in his room running back cassette tapes, teaching himself songs, and then using what he had learned to teach his friends. During his high school years, he formed several different bands with friends, playing in the talent show all 4 years and even winning a couple of them. While still in high school, Jesse was recruited to play in his first professional band, RD and the Faculty, and with the approval of his parents, played out at bars, weddings and other special events. In 1988, Jesse played his very first Mint Festival and has never missed playing that event in all the years since. In the 90s, Jesse and one of his best friends and early musical protégés, Brian (Junior) Combs, formed Junior and the Igniters, along with two other friends. Playing their original songs as well as blues and rockabilly standards for over 30 years, they cut 3 CDs and played 1000s of gigs, from local dive bars in Starke County to fancy private parties on Lake Michigan’s shores to Navy Pier in Chicago. Sitting in with a long list of friends and fellow musicians, playing as part of numerous duos, trios and quartets, and playing solo shows under the stage name Jesse Lee, he built up a huge fan base throughout the area. Jesse worked at Timothy’s in Union Pier for many years where he forged a special work family and entertained many with just his voice and guitar. He also played with Lomax Station up until January of this year, when his body would no longer cooperate. His fans and friends will always remember his artistry on the guitar and upright bass, as well as his deep, captivating voice. Jesse also enjoyed inspiring students, young and old, and teaching guitar and bass throughout the years at Roxy Music in LaPorte. Jesse was a skilled carpenter, doing rehab jobs, building home additions, porches, and anything else a client or friend needed help with. As with music, he also learned the building trades from his dad. He worked on projects through the union for several years, including work on new dorms at Purdue. Later, he set out as a self-employed handyman and builder, with his own home’s gut remodel and addition being among the projects he was most proud of. Simple projects, like building bunk beds, desks, and music shelves with his kids were among the most enjoyable. As a Jack-of-all-trades, Jesse’s skilled hands also worked to both tweak and rebuild car engines, like the Monte Carlo he drove in high school, the many cars he helped his friends with, and he loved his ‘68 Chevy truck. He loved to cook delicious meals with love for his family and friends with some fan favorites which will be missed on special occasions. In August of 1994, Jesse met the love of his life, Monika at a summer party in Chicago. They had a beautiful outdoor wedding, released butterflies and enjoyed an amazing honeymoon in England and Scotland. Jesse and Moni bought a home in the country and worked together to remodel and add an addition. They started to grow their family in 2001 with the birth of their precious son James. They added a beautiful baby daughter, Abigail, in the fall of 2005. Jesse and Moni loved being parents, enjoyed special family traditions, and making dinners together. Jesse was so proud of his children. When they were little, he loved to play with and care for them and was an amazing dad. As they grew, he was actively involved with them in school, scouts, band, plays, art, and fun times at home. His family shares beautiful memories of walks in the park, relaxing at home, playing many board and card games, and enjoying wonderful vacations in Colorado, Yellowstone, the Smokies, Florida, and Hawaii. He beamed watching James play guitar and write songs and watching Abby sing and act in musicals at school. In 2021, Jesse was elated to reunite with his older daughter, Keiara. Jesse, Moni, James and Abby all welcomed Keiara and her son Kurt into the Scutchfield family with open arms and it couldn’t have brought Jesse more joy to get to know them both. Jesse shared his creative and musical talents with his kids and took great pleasure in supporting them and watching them grow into talented and wonderful young adults. Moni loved him deeply, was always his biggest supporter and never left his side when he fell ill. Jesse’s wife and children will forever remember his love, pride, and joy in them. Of all the jobs, skills and pastimes Jesse had, his family and friends were his greatest love, and spending time with them traveling, camping, telling stories, playing games, playing music, reminiscing, and enjoying a cold beer or three were his greatest joys. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 17 from 3-6 pm with a 6 pm memorial service following at O’Donnell’s Funeral Home in North Judson. A benefit for Jesse’s wife and kids will be held on Saturday, May 18 at The North Judson Legion post 92 beginning at 2 pm. Lomax Station will play 2-5 and Half Track will play after. There will be food and raffles.

Jesse Lee Scutchfield

December 22, 1970 - April 21, 2024