Notice to campus community
The following message was sent to the campus community on Oct. 13, 2015. - Ed.
Dear Colleagues,
I write to share the news that Professor Jesse Tarleton, Professor of Business Administration, Emeritus who retired in 1997 passed away in his sleep last Thursday morning, October 8th in Nashville, TN. Professor Tarleton brought a unique background to the Business School. After serving in the Army, he pursued both a bachelor's degree at Pennsylvania State University and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University. He then worked in various positions in production and engineering for E.I duPont de Nemours Co. and Dow Badische Co., ending with a position in Williamsburg as Senior Engineer. In 1970 Jesse completed an MBA degree from William & Mary. That same year he joined the faculty teaching courses in operations management and international business. In 1985 he taught the first overseas program for the Business School in Denmark. From 1970 until 1991 Jesse enthusiastically served in a variety of positions for the William & Mary Faculty Club.
Colleague Bill Geary said, “Jesse will be remembered for many fine qualities including his tireless efforts to help students master concepts and problem solving. Jesse often faced the difficult challenge of introducing students to important concepts and applications that were completely unfamiliar to them. His supportive and patient manner evidences his genuine desire to help his students succeed and achieve their goals.”
Jesse is survived by his wife, Lavonne of Nashville; daughter, Lesley Omary, son-in-law, Reed Omary, and their 3 children of Nashville; son, David Tarleton, daughter-in-law, Adria Dawn Tarleton, and their son, Hart Tarleton of Oak Park, Illinois; sister, Lesley Julian of Louisville, Colorado; and 7 nieces and their children. He is predeceased by his parents, Leslie and Jessie Tarleton and brother, Richard Tarleton.
A wake will be held Friday, October 16, from 5-8 p.m. at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg. The funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 17, at 8:00 a.m. at St. Bede Catholic Church on Ironbound Road. Burial will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Kiwanis Club of Williamsburg Foundation, P.O. Box 5533, Williamsburg, VA 23188-5533.
Sincerely,
Michael R. Halleran
Provost
