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Jesse James Wagner was born on January 27, 1961, in Chewela, Washington to Reginald and Delores Wagner. He passed away in Alamogordo, New Mexico and flew off to a new motorcycle and fishing adventure on January 17, 2025.
Jesse grew up in small towns in Washington State and graduated from Hunters High School in 1978. He entered the United States Air Force where he worked with munitions serving until 1983, including a tour in Korea. Jesse continued his service in the Air Force Reserves reaching the rank of (Technical) Sergeant.
During his service, Jesse purchased his first motorcycle, a Triumph. Jesse attended Spokane Community College and graduated with an HVAC degree. During this time, he was the founding member, lead singer/songwriter, and lead guitarist of The Jesse James Band with his sister Trina on bass. Jesse moved with Trina to El Paso, Texas where he provided mechanical maintenance to various hospitals and continued making music. He also began flying a hang glider and loved fishing in the Rio Grande and any body of water he could access.
Jesse met the love of his life, Denise (Deni Rae) Braun, and married her on July 27, 1992. Jesse never an old truck or motorcycle that he did not want to bring home and repair with tender loving care. At age 40, Jesse attended Eastern New Mexico University in Roswell, where he received his certification as an Aircraft Mechanic. He was employed by Army Air at Holloman Air Force Base until he received a medical disability. While living in High Rolls, NM, he volunteered for the High Rolls Mountain Park Volunteer Fire Department and was a member of the High Rolls Mountain Park Lions Club until his death.
Jesse was predeceased by his father, Reginald and brother, Bob.
He is survived by his wife, Deni Rae Wagner; his mother, Delores; brothers, Bill (Merle) Wagner and Russell Wagner; sister, Katrina (George) Stephens; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
There will be a virtual memorial service Saturday, February 1, 2025.
The Wagner family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Alamogordo Funeral Home.
