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Jesse Wayne Kaye was born on March 7, 1944, in South Bend, Indiana, grew up in Green Bay, and died peacefully on June 3, 2023, with his daughter Annye at his side. Jesse graduated from Premontre High School and attended the University of Colorado – Boulder, University of Wisconsin – Madison, and University of Tampa. He lived a life of immense accomplishment, both on and off the football field. In addition to playing high school, college and professional football, Jesse continued his athletic career as a BLESTO NFL scout and went on to work as a college scout for the Pittsburg Steelers; administrative assistant/pro-scout, and director of pro-personnel for the Green Bay Packers; and college scout, director of college scouting, senior director of college scouting, and consultant for the New York Jets, where he worked for more than 20 years. The Jets remember him as a humble scout who loved his family and football.

In spite of his football achievements, Jesse claimed that baseball was his first love, and if he could do it all over again, he would have chosen that athletic path. In fact, he was the batboy for the Green Bay Bluejays when minor league baseball returned to Green Bay and future major leaguer Frank Howard was the league MVP.

Most important to Jesse, however, were his absolute commitment and love for his family, helping those less fortunate, and environmental causes, when even throwing a small paper wrapper in the garbage would cause a kerfuffle.

Jesse is survived by his beloved daughter, Annye; Annye's mother, Colleen, Jesse's supportive and caring former spouse; adored grandchildren, Kale Graff, Jordy Graff and Ayla Graff; loving sisters, Diane Paynter and Jeanne Kaye-Renkas; and nieces and nephews, Brian Paynter, Pamela (Jack) Schroeder, Gwen (Dan) Christel, Mark Paynter, Eric Paynter, Jonathan (Sonia) Renkas, Christopher (Casey) Kaye, Nathan (Brittany) Renkas, Anthony (Mandi) Renkas, and Collin (Cassie) Renkas, and their children.

Jesse was preceded in death by his parents, Mary (Engleman) Kaye and Kenneth Kaye; son, Damon Kaye; and niece Sara Paynter.

Jesse is also survived by a large circle of friends and relatives who really understood and supported him, especially his incredibly loyal friend, Mike Clark; as well as his brother-in-law, Mike Coniff; special friends Gary Nabielski, Cliff Christl, and George Berger; and many others.

Five years ago, Jesse welcomed a lovely addition to his family: Lisa (daughter) and Bill Prickett and their children, Will (Sam) Waldrup, Kile (Hannah) Waldrup and daughter Lucy, Hope Waldrup, Emily Prickett and Alexa Prickett. Jesse was also preceded in death by grandson Jack Waldrup.

Friends and family will gather at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, June 12; Memorial Service to follow at 4 p.m.  Inurnment will be in Allouez Chapel Mausoleum. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

We would like to extend a sincere thank you and appreciation to Unity Hospice for all their support, coordination and superior care provided to Jesse and his family.

To read more about Jesse's legacy and influence an article can be viewed at https://www.newyorkjets.com/news/jesse-kaye-former-jets-director-of-college-scouting-dies