Jesse James Sandford's Obituary
Jesse James Sandford, age 47, of Elkins, Arkansas went home on Saturday, July 4th, 2026 following a courageous fight against cancer. He chose to remain positive and optimistic even through the most difficult of times, rarely ceasing in his efforts to make those around him smile. He passed peacefully, at Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, knowing he was loved. Jesse’s faith was strong, and he was comforted by the promise of eternal life in Heaven.
On March 28th, 2001, he was introduced to the love of his life, Lee Anne Witty. The two quickly became inseparable and spent the next 25 years madly in love.
Jesse was fun, spontaneous, creative, and hilarious. A gifted artist, he could draw anything and was recognized for his mixed-media work. His laugh was contagious, and his sarcasm relentless. Quite the paradox, his tough exterior concealed a sensitive, gentle soul. He was fascinated by nature and kind to all creatures his camera roll is full of butterfly pictures, and he never met a cat he didn’t like!
Jesse enjoyed fishing, gardening, bad jokes, music, and travel. He and Lee visited 35 of Arkansas’ State Parks. They loved exploring the woods together in search of treasures for their online nature shop. It should be noted that his skill at retrieving mistletoe from tall trees was unparalleled.
“Messy Jesse” did have a tendency to leave all the cabinet doors open. He also cheated at air hockey, but those faults were minor compared to the amount of joy he brought to all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Jesse was preceded in death by his father, William Sandford; his grandmother, Juanda Prelle; his in-laws, David and Sue Witty; and his favorite cat, Opal.
In addition to Lee, Jesse is survived by his mother Alesia Guthrie; his sister, Kim Ann Boucher (and husband Clint) and his brother, Randy Sandford (and wife Crystal). In addition, he is survived by his brothers-in-law—Stephen Witty (and wife Stacey), and Mark Witty (and wife Heidi) and his mean cat, Atlas.
A memorial service will be held at Moore’s Chapel in Fayetteville on Friday, July 10th at 2:00 pm, with visitation on Thursday, July 9th from 5:00 –7:00pm. In lieu of flowers, Jesse asks that you get a skin cancer screening
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