Jesse Wayne Stafford II

Jess Stafford, 49, of Jonesboro, passed away Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at St. Bernards Medical Center. He was born April 19, 1977 in Memphis, to Sandra and the late Jesse Stafford.

Jess was a 1995 graduate of Jonesboro High School and earned his bachelor's degree in printing management from Arkansas State University. He enjoyed spending time at Lake Norfork, cooking, tinkering with cars, visiting the Great Smoky Mountains, Silver Dollar City and coaching gymnastics. He was an avid Tennessee Volunteers fan, but most of all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his daughter, Lily, with whom he enjoyed playing Legos. He also loved his dog, Roxie.

Jess was preceded in death by his father, Jesse Stafford; his paternal grandparents, Dale and Viva Stafford and his maternal grandparents, John and Louise Rowton.

Survivors include his mother, Sandra Stafford of Jonesboro; his daughter, Lily Stafford and her mother, Beth Block both of Jonesboro; his brother, John Stafford of Jonesboro; and his nephew, Colin Stafford of Jonesboro.

A visitation will be Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Emerson Funeral Home.

All other services are private.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to NEA Humane Society, 6111 E. Highland Drive, Jonesboro, AR 72401.