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Jesse Dewayne McGaha was born November 18, 1948, in McLoud, Okla., as the second son of Betty (Williams) and Jim W. McGaha Sr. He died November 15, 2025 after a 15 year battle with frontotemporal dementia just a few days shy of his 77th birthday.
Jesse grew up in McLoud, graduated from there in 1966, and went to UCO for a BBA (1979) and an MBA (1983). In high school, he was president of the Future Farmers of America chapter and was Star Chapter Farmer his senior year. While studying in college, he was proud to serve in the Air Force Reserves and worked at Tinker AFB until his illness forced an early retirement in 2011, after nearly three decades of government service.
Jesse married Barbara Loraine Backes on May 15, 1971, in Thomas, Okla., the day after she graduated high school. The newlyweds started their married life near Jesse's family in McLoud until a tornado destroyed their home in 1976. They used that opportunity to start over in Macomb and began McGaha Hereford Farms, and raised their three daughters. Jesse enjoyed bluegrass music and played the guitar and banjo with his brother and father. Before his illness, he often spent the long winter evenings singing and practicing playing. Jesse had a strong work ethic, working most days then coming home to many hours of farm chores.
He loved animals, frequently rescuing stray pets, much to the delight of his children. He shared his passion for hereford cattle with his family and many family vacations were spent going to junior national shows around the country, or scheduled around cattle sales and calving due dates. He was proud to receive recognition from the American Hereford Association at the 2010 annual honorees reception in Kansas City, Missouri by receiving the Golden Breeder Award. This honor is given for being a breeder member for at least five decades, and for long-term commitments to improving the breed by celebrating awardees for their "diligence, dedication and steadfast faithfulness to the Hereford breed."
Jesse was a world class talker and could spin the yarn with anyone, anywhere at any time. However, he also knew the value in listening and learning from others. He instilled the importance of education, always striving to improve, and was constantly briming with ideas to implement. He was an eternal optimist and endlessly supportive of his family and friends. Jesse also loved Mercedes-Benz and enjoyed fixing them up and commuting to work in his project cars.
Jesse was preceded in death by his parents, Jim Sr. and Betty, and his brother Jim Jr.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara, his daughters, Cynthia Larson (David), Hope McGaha (Dr. Marc Klippenstine), and Sara McGaha, and four grandchildren; Michael Larson (Kaitlyn), Amy Hasbell (Trevor), Taylor Marrs, and Gavin Klippenstine.
The immediate family had a small gathering and, following Jesse's wishes, his ashes will be spread on their farm at a later date. He did not wish for a ceremony but instead that we might individually honor him by practicing kindness and compassion. For those inclined to donate, a favorite charity of his is Wildcare in Noble, Okla., where native wildlife is rescued and rehabilitated. He had offered his farm as a release site in the past, so their mission was aligned with his values and spirit of helpfulness.
A special note of thanks from the family for the many years of exceptional care and friendship by Marla Schovanec. She, along with Barbara and Sara, made it possible for Jesse to stay at home with the very best care and upmost comfort during his prolonged illness. He will be sorely missed but here's to greener pastures.
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