Retired United States Marine Corps Corporal Jesse C. Richburg, Jr., a loved and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on March 6, 2025, at the age of 75. He will be greatly missed by all those who loved and knew him for his kindness, his sense of humor, and his love for his family and his country.

Jesse was born in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 31, 1949, known fondly as “Buddy” to all his childhood friends and Southern family members. Jesse attended Carlisle Military School in Bamberg, South Carolina, and was so eager to serve his country that he sought and received consent to enlist in the United States Marine Corps before reaching adulthood. Jesse joined the Marines in September 1966, days after turning 17.

Jesse served his country honorably with the Second Force Recon Company and 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, and was deployed to Vietnam in 1967. During his service, Jesse was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, and Meritorious Unit Commendation. He was awarded a Purple Heart after sustaining serious injuries while on patrol in January 1968, which eventually led to the loss of one of his legs. Due to the injuries sustained while serving his country, Jesse was medically retired from the United States Marine Corps in 1969. The embodiment of “once a Marine, always a Marine,” Jesse spoke proudly of his service for the rest of his life, regaling his children and grandchildren with stories and forming many of his closest friendships with his fellow Marines and other veterans.

Jesse’s commitment to the United States Marine Corps principle of “improvise, adapt, overcome” translated to a tenacity he demonstrated for the rest of his life. After his retirement from the USMC, Jesse moved to Michigan and enjoyed playing wheelchair basketball and wheelchair racing. Jesse competed in iconic races, including the Detroit Free Press Marathon and the Crim. He loved a good road trip and preferred to drive over flying, regardless of the distance. Jesse’s love for animals, particularly dogs, was well known, and after he retired from Ingham County Animal Control, he often volunteered to drive dogs from shelters to rescues so that they could find families. More than a few lucky dogs came home from work with Jesse and lived out the rest of their lives being spoiled with treats and car rides with him.

Jesse married his wife, Robbin, in 1978, and they raised three children together. His love and willingness to sacrifice for his family was unmistakable, and few people can claim to have worked harder to ensure their family had everything they could need. He supported his children through hardships and achievements alike, providing a shoulder to cry on and words of encouragement, and would beam with pride in describing his children’s achievements. “Bunka” was deeply loved by all his grandchildren, who all have cherished memories of wheelchair rides in his lap as young children, bear hugs, encouragement, and laughter.

Jesse was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth (Mallard) Richburg and his father, Jesse C. Richburg, Sr. He is survived by his wife, Robbin; his children Sean (Marli) Richburg, Kipp (Liliana) Richburg, and Courtney (Brian) Isanhart; his grandchildren Hannah Richburg, Jesse Richburg, Ian Richburg, Ashley Richburg, Austin Isanhart, and Evelyn Isanhart; his sister, Charlotte Anne Daniels; and many cousins and friends, all of whom will miss him deeply. A memorial service to celebrate his life and legacy will be held at a later date. Those wishing to honor Jesse’s legacy are encouraged to donate time or resources to their local animal rescue or the Semper Fi & America’s Fund in his honor.

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