Gary Thomas Jesse, affectionately known to many as "BG," passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026, in Jerome, Idaho, at the age of 64.

Gary was born on June 28, 1961, in Burlingame, California. Until he moved with his family to Idaho, where he spent most of his life in Rupert before later settling in Twin Falls. He proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Army, a service that remained an important part of who he was.

After his military service, Gary spent many years behind the wheel as a truck driver, primarily with Montana Express, where he worked alongside his father (Wolfman). He believed in working hard, treating people right, and taking pride in an honest day's work.

If you knew Gary, you knew his greatest joy wasn't found in what he owned—it was found in the people he loved. His children and grandchildren were the center of his world. He especially treasured hunting trips with his son, Robert, spending hours in Robert's shop watching him work on cars, attending car shows and races together, and simply enjoying each other's company.

One of the proudest moments of Gary's life was pinning his son, Robert, to the rank of Staff Sergeant in the Idaho Army National Guard. He kept Robert's old Sergeant rank insignia and, with a smile, said, "You know I'm just gonna hang onto this." It was one of the many ways he showed how proud he was of his son.

Gary loved the outdoors, especially deer and elk hunting in the mountains near Arco, Idaho. He enjoyed classic hot rods, 1950s pickup trucks, motorcycles, country music, and the occasional trip to the casino to play video poker. Family and friends knew they could always count on his famous lasagna and spaghetti, and many warm summer evenings were spent on the front porch with a cold beer, a Marlboro Red, and Pepper—Robert's faithful Blue Heeler—keeping him company for hours.

He is survived by his son, Robert Lee (Roxy) Jesse; daughter, Shandi Manning; stepson, Donovan (Krystal) Petersen; stepdaughter, Kimberly (Ron) Wallis; grandchildren, Gabriel, Saleen, and Dominic; and his siblings, Lydia, Joe, and Tami.

He was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Damien Jesse; his parents, Robert and Lydia Jesse; his brother, Bob Jesse; and his niece, Renee Jesse.

Gary will be remembered as a hardworking, big-hearted man who loved his family fiercely. Whether he was out hunting, talking cars, riding motorcycles, cheering on the 49ers, or simply sitting on the porch sharing stories, he made people feel welcome. He had a way of making friends into family, and many of his son's friends became his own "adopted kids."

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who continued to spend time with Gary throughout his life. A special thank you goes to Maurice Sanchez, Ryan Wise, Russ Howard, Don Cunningham, Dan Kenzy, Rex Higley, Scott P., and the many other friends who became family. Your friendship meant more to him than words can express.

A Celebration of Gary's Life will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at 41 S. 170 W., Jerome, Idaho, in his son Robert's shop. Family and friends are invited to come as they are, share stories, laugh, remember Gary, and celebrate a life well lived... until the beer runs out.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made at the Celebration of Life or mailed to 41 S. 170 W., Jerome, ID 83338.

"It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived." Gary's memories will live on in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family in the guestbook section below.