Jesse Ray ‘Jess’ Kersey, 76, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family Saturday, April 22, 2017. A lifelong Peninsula resident, he was the son of the late Aubrey O. ‘Copper’ and Margaret Wilson Kersey. A sister, Jean Martin, also preceded him in death.
Jess was an exceptional, top-rated NBA referee, officiating over 2,000 games, 19 NBA finals games and five All-Star games. His career began with the American Basketball Association in 1974. A graduate of Newport News High School, Class of 1958, he went on to play fast-pitch softball for 20 years for Fox Hill and the F&M Bankers and was All World Second Baseman in 1969. He volunteered for 16 years with the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa. Jess was a member of Northside Christian Church.
Survivors include his wife, Kathleen M. ‘Kathy’ Kersey; sons, Bryan Kersey, and his wife, Cindy, of Carrollton, and Todd Kersey, and his wife, Cindy, of Charlottesville; stepsons, Kris Hall of Hampton and Keith Hall of Newport News; and seven grandchildren, Shayne Kersey, and his wife, Jess, of Chesapeake, Krysten Kersey of Carrollton, Grant Kersey and Madison Kersey, both of Charlottesville, Anthony Hall and Sean Hall, both of Newport News, and Evelynn ‘Eevee’ Hall of Hampton. He is also survived by too many friends and family members to mention, as well as his reliable service dog, Abbie.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, at Northside Christian Church, Yorktown. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 26, at the church with Larry Jones officiating. Come, enjoy the moment with Jess.
