Aspire to Inspire - Together We Can Do Better
The Jesse Wilkins Scholarship
In Memory of "Jesse" John James Wilkins 1974-2023
It is with broken hearts - a profound loss and deep gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the creation of the Jesse Wilkins Memorial Scholarship. Jesse, our dearest friend, advocate, a vital part of the community and largest annual donor since our inception in 2019, will forever be remembered through this enduring tribute.
In 2023, we lost more than a donor; we lost a brother, a mentor, and a cherished friend. Jesse Wilkins, best friends with our President and Founder for over 30 years, His impact on Super Jet Brunette was immeasurable. Beyond financial support, Jesse was a guiding force, advocate, and mentor who played a pivotal role in shaping the very fabric of our organization.
Jesse's Mechanical Mastery
Jesse was a multifaceted individual—a gifted artist who masterfully paired metals and nature to create stunning creations, it was clear he was also a skilled craftsman who designed boardroom tables, furniture, and captivating works of art.
Jesse's love for restoration and his passion for being a gear head defined him. He breathed new life into his International truck, Palmyra, and reveled in the freedom of the open road on his beloved Harley. If he wasn't meticulously working on his truck, he could be found tinkering with his Harley—two symbols of his mechanical mastery and the joy he found in the art of restoration.
The hum of the engine, the wind in his hair—Jesse found solace and joy on the open road. His International truck and Harley were not just machines; they were extensions of his spirit, a reflection of the freedom he sought and the craftsmanship he applied to every project.
Jesse's Career
Jesse's life was a journey marked by dedication and passion. He worked on various projects and in different roles in the United States. Not job was too tough for Jesse, he would just power through it until it was done.
He found his true calling at Kroeshell Engineering in Colorado Springs Colorado. Jesse's journey through the ranks culminated in his role as the devoted President of Kroeshell Engineering. His work with the military on construction projects reflected his commitment to excellence, project management principles, and community betterment.
Jesse's leadership and passion left an indelible mark on #Kroeshell Engineering and the community it served. His spirit will live on through the lives he touched, the art he created, and the opportunities his legacy will provide.
His commitment to excellence and community betterment serves as an enduring inspiration to all who knew him.
Jesse's Musical Peter Pan Soul:
Jesse's life resonated with the melody of music, a constant soundtrack to his vibrant personality. He brought laughter into every room, his quick wit and humor leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him. Jesse's love for music was boundless, and he had an eclectic taste that spanned genres and was timeless. His fondness for music was was so profound that he named his sons Bowie and Jude—a testament to the influence of music in every corner of his life.
Jesse loved to share jokes and tell stories, his goofy sense of humor and "cool cat" personality created a joyous atmosphere wherever he went. His ability to weave tales and share moments of humor connected people and created a tapestry of laughter that will forever echo in our memories.
Family and Loss:
Jesse bore the weight of profound loss, losing his brother, father, and mother within the span of 5 years. The sudden loss of his mother in 2023 marked a poignant moment in Jesse's life, adding to the challenges he faced.
Jesse leaves behind his wife of 16 years and three children, who were the center of his world. His dedication to providing real-world experiences for his children was unmatched. Jesse passionately spoke about the gaps in the education system, imparting a diverse range of experiences to his kids—from music and art to dance, sports, and even mechanics. His love knew no bounds, and he sought to broaden their horizons at every turn.
Jesse held a hopeful vision for the future. He wished that one day, his children would have the opportunity to apply for one of the scholarships offered by our non-profit. He dreamt of an event hosted in Colorado Springs, where his children could be present, creating lasting memories and connections.
Jesse, always one for innovative ideas, envisioned a unique opportunity for his children. He thought it would be "cool" if our non-profit could help his kids learn to fly—an aspiration that reflects Jesse's adventurous spirit and commitment to providing extraordinary opportunities for his family.
Proud Supporter of our initiatives:
Jesse's enthusiasm for our community initiatives made him our largest donor annually. His passion, advocacy, and unwavering support will be deeply missed. Jesse's advocacy for our programs went beyond obligation; it was rooted in a genuine belief in our mission and a commitment to the success of every individual involved.
Jesse was a man of tradition, he religiously reached out to find out what we were doing and how he could help. Jesse's commitment to our cause extended to collecting our challenge coins. Jesse was one of the few who traded annually for a challenge coin and had every coin, even the coveted sponsor challenge coin, only given to a select few. His annual contributions reflected not only financial support but a deep pride in our community initiatives.
Jesse's mentees have often expressed how much he gave to them in experience and knowledge. When asked about their experiences with Jesse he said " His mentorship has been transformative, and I am grateful for the impact he had on my career and personal growth. I learned more valuable lessons about life and the importance of not taking myself too seriously in the last year than i had learned my whole life. " .
Scholarship Focus:
In honoring Jesse's memory, we establish the Jesse Wilkins Scholarship—a beacon of hope and opportunity for aspiring individuals. This scholarship is a celebration of Jesse's varied interests, opening doors for individuals in music, art, mechanics, comedy, vocational programs, leadership development, construction, project management, and engineering. These diverse opportunities reflect the rich tapestry of interests that Jesse held dear.
Applicants will have the chance to apply for financial support to pursue their desired career paths, embodying Jesse's passion and personality. The Jesse Wilkins Scholarship not only provides tangible assistance but also offers a unique opportunity for recipients to learn about the man who left an indelible mark in his short time on this earth—a man of boundless passion and generosity.
This is only a small token of appreciation to a man that gave so much of himself to others. Jesse Wilkins' impact on our organization, his family, and the lives he touched will forever resonate through the corridors of our community.
Contributions and Memories:
To ensure the enduring impact of this scholarship, we are accepting contributions from our community and those who loved and appreciated him. Any support received will carry forward Jesse's legacy of passion, advocacy, and education. To contribute to the Jesse Wilkins Memorial Scholarship or share your memories, please contact us below.
Jesse Wilkins' impact on our organization and the lives he touched will forever echo through the corridors of our community.
Thank you for joining us in honoring and remembering a truly extraordinary individual..