Jesse S. McCraw, Sr., 75, passed peacefully into eternal rest on July 28, 2011, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Jesse was born in Norfolk, VA on December 9, 1935 to William P. McCraw and Ruth S. McCraw. He attended Maury High School and Norfolk Business College. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and always had great respect for the contribution our military has made to the freedoms we enjoy. Jesse owned and operated a court reporting firm for over 40 years and provided court reporting services to courts throughout the Tidewater area. He served as president of the Virginia Court Reporters Association and scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 65 at Foundry United Methodist Church. Jesse was predeceased by his daughter, Carole Ann Haymaker; and his brother, William Polk McCraw, Jr. He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Betty Bradley McCraw; a daughter, Melinda Washburn and her husband Jeff; a son, Jesse McCraw, Jr. (Jay) and his wife Kris; and five grandchildren, Wade and Scott Patterson, Bradley and Megan McCraw and Caroline Haymaker. Jesse was a conservationist who respected nature and the outdoors, while enjoying fishing, hunting and sports, especially softball, having been elected to the Tidewater Softball Hall of Fame. The family wishes to thank all the people who have kept Jesse and his family in their prayers. We also extend our gratitude to his doctors and the amazing nursing staff at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital for their loving care and many kindnesses shown to him during his illness. A memorial service wil be held on Tuesday, August 2, 2011, at 11 a.m. at Foundry United Methodist Church, 2801 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23452, under the direction of Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Lynnhaven Chapel. Jesse was his family's loving provider and protector and he will be dearly missed.