The Virginian-Pilot
©
Jesse Jasielum, the 86-year-old motorcycle enthusiast who got a special visit from his fellow Harley-loving friends a week ago, died Sunday night.
The Pearl Harbor survivor became an avid motorcycle rider about 30 years ago and continued riding regularly until a few years ago. His wife of 59 years died last year, and he had surgery to remove most of his lungs this past year.
On Feb. 23, 25 Harley-Davidson motorcycles pulled into the parking lot of the Carolina House assisted living facility in Elizabeth City, N.C.
The Outer Banks Harley Owners Group brought a red Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic firefighters edition into the lobby, and two bike riders lifted Jasielum onto it.
"It was our pleasure," Bill Catlett, a HOG member, said Monday. "He got something out of it, but we got more."
A Navy veteran, Jasielum survived the attack on Pearl Harbor. He later joined the Coast Guard and retired in 1961. He then worked for an aircraft manufacturing company until retiring at age 55.
About then, his son introduced him to motorcycles.
"It's out of this world," Jasielum said last week of riding.
No service is being planned, at Jasielum's request, according to an e-mail from Sherry McKenzie of Carolina House.
Pilot staff writer Jeff Hampton contributed to this report.
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Jesse Jasielum
Wow what an awesome story and salute to Jesse Jasielum or as I knew him to be "Uncle Mickey". I am his great-niece from Ohio and was so touched by what is "riding buddies" did for him. Can you just imagine how much joy he must have felt to be sitting on a "hog" one last time. I can remember when he would ride all the way up here to Ohio to visit his brother Mannie and his sister Helen who was my grandmother. Thank you for such a wonderful tribute to Uncle Mickey and I'm sure his brothers and sisters from above were smiling down as much as I was watching the video. God Bless you all. Trudi (Warne) Scott
What a great way to go.
God Bless Jesse Jasielum, and the HOGS. I only wish more non-riders knew the good that the HOGS, and a myriad of other motorcycle clubs and organizations do, not just in their own community, but also in their States, and in their Nation.
Some of the best and biggest-hearted people in the world are behind those jackets, and colors, and beards, and tattoos, and beautiful-sounding and looking bikes.
My idea of Heaven has always been a 1968 blue ElectraGlide, my wife on the back, and unlimited sunny days, and cool evenings, to ride all over God's universe, with my friends. Who knows, maybe I'd even run into Jesse up there some day.
Great story
Everyone should have wish granted someday
Goodbye
Fair winds and following seas sir