Jesse Phillip Woodhouse

Jesse began his life in Lamar, Colorado. He was born to Clara (Jesser) Woodhouse and Jesse Lyle Woodhouse on September 25, 1947. He arrived at the same time as Linda Parker and almost went home with the Parkers…but Clara knew she had a little boy and the little girl was not hers, even though the nurses brought her to her. Linda and Jesse became friends from that time on, long into their adult years. Jesse was welcomed home by his big sister Lyla Marie at their home in Pritchett, Colorado. Jesse grew up learning how to work with engines starting at an early age with his dad. He also drove many miles on his dad’s propane truck. He learned to love fishing and hunting from both parents, and made many wonderful memories with his sister, Lyla. Jesse’s love of guns stemmed from his Grandfather Woodhouse in Utah, where he spent many summers with his parents. He learned to love animals from chickens and birds ,to tropical fish and cats. The love of cats carried through his adult years. Jesse was so fortunate when a boy named Bob came into his life as a youth. Bob had a love of science, tropical fish, and knew the art of taking care of chickens. Jess and Bob honed their friendship while shooting mice at the chicken farm. Bob came to live with Jesse’s family. They became brothers from that time on. Their friendship would carry them through college and years beyond. Jess followed Bob to Fort Lewis College where he received a Bachelor of Science in teaching. Bob then traveled to Oregon, while Jess stayed in Colorado, where he joined the National Guard and returned to Springfield to help his dad with the Heating and Air Conditioning business. Jess had no idea that a young school nurse had taken a job in Campo in 1971, or that his mother would skillfully introduce them, or that Dottie Mannis would become his life partner for 42 years. Her plan had been to stay in Baca County for just a few months, but she remained here for many years to be loved and inspired by Jesse. Three years after their marriage in December 1974, while on a goose hunting trip, the steering went out of Jess’s special hunting wagon, and he became paralyzed from mid-chest down. Jesse’s journeys in his wheelchair took him many places. He found that even if there were stairs to climb he could learn to ascend them. His fierce independence carried him from running his own business as a motorcycle mechanic, becoming involved with the community through Jaycees, obtaining permits to hunt from a vehicle across international borders, teaching science in junior high for three years, becoming a parts manager at Key Chevrolet, teaching college classes for Lamar Community College and finally to working with Bob Keennan at Red Neck Repairs with computers. Jesse’s journey was again filled with love with the arrival of his son J.A.(Jesse Arthur) Woodhouse on December 18, 1984, exactly ten years from the date of his accident. He would enjoy many moments becoming a father, guide and teacher to his son. The gift of grandchildren changed his life again. Timber, Maddie, Coltin, Taylor and Parker learned that a wheelchair was a great mode of transportation. Alyssa and Michalea became loving additions in the last two years. Jesse not only enjoyed life, he pursued it with a passion. He was a kind, loving and loyal friend. He made friends with all his caregivers from Denver to Springfield. If he had any anger if was only because he could not give back what so many have given to him. He would want to have one more long conversation with each of his friends, and his family, and let you know how very much he loved you. He would want you to light that candle in your heart, and let it shine in his memory, as you face and live the rest of your lives.