Jessie J. "James" "Papaw" Risner, 78, of Elkhart, passed away to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 20, 2022, at Elkhart General Hospital after fighting a heroic battle with Cancer. He was born in Collinwood, TN to the late Rubin and Myrtle L. (Burks) Risner.

Jessie is survived by his children, Mickey (Cindy) Scott and Lisa Salyer; daughter-in-law, Joan Scott; seven grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; brothers, W.C. Risner, Loyal Gene Risner, Robbie Joe Risner, Junior Risner; sister, Karen Risner; and sisters-in-law, Sharon McMullan and Janice (Dale) Harrison. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Brenda Sue Risner; son, Roger Dale Scott; brothers, Mckenzie Fay Risner and Wade Risner; sister, Hazel Jean Risner; brother-in-law, Jerry Grisham and Aubrey McMullan Jr.; and sister-in-law, Marjorie McIntyre.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, from noon-2:00 p.m. at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. in Elkhart. Service will be at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Jeremy Sarber officiating followed by a burial at Prairie Street Cemetery where he will be laid to rest beside his wife, Brenda. Memorial donations may go to The Skin Cancer Foundation, 205 Lexington Avenue, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10016, for research to find a cure for Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Jessie was a hard-working man who was tough as nails physically and mentally, and everyone who knew him knew he was a friendly and kind man, husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He married the love of his life, Brenda Sue Grisham, on January 10, 1966, and worked as an Electrician for several years at Skyline in Elkhart and at Fairmont Homes in Nappanee. Jessie always did his best to take care of his family and his wife, up until her passing on May 14, 2021. He enjoyed working on the house and performing various carpentry work for others who were in need. In Jessie's spare time, he enjoyed gardening, laughing along to the three stooges, dancing to his favorite country hits on his 8-track player, watching the occasional boxing match, and competing in many Billiards tournaments. He was also an avid Notre Dame fan and would cheer them on any chance he got, much to Brenda's chagrin (she was an Alabama fan). Jessie will be missed greatly by his loving family and many friends.

The Skin Cancer Foundation
205 Lexington Avenue, 11th Floor New York, NY 10016, New York NY 10016
Tel: 1-212-725-5176
Web: https://www.skincancer.org/