Jesse M. Corum III
Vero Beach, FL - Jesse Maxwell Corum III, of Vero Beach, FL, whose strong personality and zest for life made him a memorable personality, died peacefully on April 17 at Indian River Medical Center.
Jesse was born on October 7, 1923, the second son of Jesse and Laura Corum. He grew up in Norristown, Pennsylvania and spent summers in Chestertown, New York with relatives where he practiced youthful capers. He proceeded to mesmerize people for the next 88 years with beguiling dry humor, a keen mind, a passionate commitment and a prophetic vision. He was equally comfortable playing a set of drums, pulling a trick on someone, making sense of a theological premise, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity or being arrested on political principle.
He was a cheerleader and track star with a 4:39 mile, graduating from The Haverford School in 1941. After a year at Bowdoin College, he joined the Army, married his high school sweetheart, completed Officers Candidate School, became a 1st Lieutenant responsible for a tank platoon, and was stationed at Fort Smith, Fort Knox and Okinawa. After WWII, he returned to Bowdoin where he received a BA in English in 1948.
In 1951 he earned a Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA, and, following his father's footsteps, became a Presbyterian minister. He began with two small churches in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, where he built a third congregation and church. He later told stories about wild winter rides through the snow as he raced to participate in three services on blustery Sundays.
After a second pastorate in Weedsport, NY from 1956-58, he took his family to Europe from 1958-1960, studying in Edinburgh and Geneva under leading theologians of the day. Their 108-day vacation coursing through western Europe in 1959 led to a treasure-trove of family stories.
He served the Presbyterian Church of the USA visiting churches in upstate New York before becoming a pastor in New City, NY, from 1961-66, and Holland Patent, NY, from 1971-73. In between, his curiosity led him to try new pursuits in Vermont as an English teacher, Volkswagen salesman, high school driver's education teacher, golf caddie and ski patrolman.
Entering the mission field, Jesse taught English for two years at Moeng College near Palapye, Botswana, during which time he and Joy traveled extensively throughout southern Africa. Following several years back in Vermont, they returned to Africa to teach at Chipembi Girls Secondary School in Chisamba, Zambia in 1980-81. They then managed Wellspring Renewal Center in Philo, CA for two years.
After retiring at age 62, he and his wife Joy became "Peace Pilgrims," making two separate year-long trips across the U.S. in a camper covered with 400 political bumper stickers. They spoke at churches, schools, on the street and on radio and TV about the need for world peace. Jesse also pastored several churches in Te Awamutu, New Zealand for a year.
For 17 years they lived on Upper Saranac Lake in their beloved upstate New York before moving to Florida in 2004. He stayed active as a Habitat for Humanity volunteer and played tennis until age 87. In late 2011, they moved into HarborChase, an assisted living facility in Vero Beach.
Jesse's family who hold him so dear include his loving wife of 68 years, Carol (Joy) MacKubbin Corum, their daughter Laurie and her husband Bruce Hawley of Vero Beach; their son Jesse and his wife Lynn of Brattleboro, VT; their son Vance and his wife Kristin of Vancouver, WA; and seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Jesse's life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 21 at the First Presbyterian Church, 520 Royal Palm Blvd., Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Jesse's family asks that rather than flowers, remembrances honoring him be sent to Habitat for Humanity International, 121 Habitat Street, Americus, GA 31709 or the First Presbyterian Church.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory in Vero Beach. Online condolences may be sent at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.