Jesse Allen Downey Jr.

Jesse Allen Downey, Jr., 61, of Grafton, passed from this life on Monday, September 1, 2025, at United Hospital Center in Bridgeport as a result of a mowing accident. Born on September 19, 1963, in Charleston, he was the cherished son of the Jesse Allen Downey Sr. and Nancy Sharon Bowles Downey of Charleston.

On February 7, 1997, Jesse married the love of his life, Shelley Mae Conrad Downey, and together they shared more than twenty-eight years filled with devotion, laughter, and countless cherished memories.

A proud graduate of Dupont High School, Class of 1981, Jesse dedicated his life to hard work and to the coal mines, beginning his career at just eighteen years old. He was honored to call himself a coal miner, a profession he held with great pride. Beyond his own work, Jesse became a mentor to many, patiently teaching and guiding others, ensuring his skills and legacy would live on through those who followed in his footsteps. He was currently an assistant mine foreman at American Consolidated Natural Resources. He worked in coal mines in Randolph, Preston, Upshur, Barbour, Taylor and Marion counties throughout his career.

Jesse’s heart was never far from the outdoors. An avid bass fisherman, he delighted in passing his love and knowledge of fishing on to his grandsons, creating lasting bonds and treasured memories. Hunting, fishing, and exploring the outdoors were not just hobbies for Jesse—they were his way of connecting with nature, family, and life itself. Jesse was a proud Harley-Davidson enthusiast, and for more than 20 years he and Shelley shared the open road together, creating countless cherished memories with every ride.

Jesse was preceded in death by his beloved maternal and paternal grandparents, whose love and influence helped shape the man he became; also, his father-in-law, Bill Conrad.

In addition to his parents, those left to carry on his memory include his devoted wife, Shelley; his son, Chadwick Conrad (Artina); his daughter, Brooke Lanham; his beloved grandchildren, Evan Conrad, Tyler Conrad, and Jaxon Lanham; He also leaves behind his brother, Shane Downey (Karla); his sister, Leann Colston; mother-in-law, Zita Conrad; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Bill Conrad Jr (Bonnie), Marty Conrad (Lori), Brandy Wildman; extended family, Andy and Amber Hartsell along with his “bonus grandson,” Carter Hartsell; Jacob Jones, and Mike Wildman; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, and coal mining family, who will forever hold him close in their hearts.

Family and friends are invited to Jesse’s Celebration of Life Service at Bartlett Funeral Home, 202 McGraw Ave., Grafton, on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 3:00 PM with Pastor Deborah Swecker officiating and visitation to follow until 7:00 PM. The family request flowers be omitted. Bartlett Funeral Home is honored to serve the Downey family, and online condolences may be sent to them at www.bartlettfuneralhomewv.com.

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