Jesse England
Jesse England passed away peacefully at the Gene & Irene Wockner Hospice Center in Kirkland, WA on May 10, 2021 after a long struggle with peripheral nerve sheath cancer. He was born on September 2, 1983 in Emporia, KS to Ken and Debbie England of Council Grove, KS.
Jesse is survived by his wife, Minhi England (née Winkempleck), of Seattle, WA, and his parents Ken and Debbie England of Council Grove, KS. He is preceded in death by grandparents Allen and Lois Beck of Hutchinson, KS and Glenn and Phyllis England of Council Grove, KS.
He was a 2002 graduate of Council Grove High School. Shortly after high school, he came upon glass art, which propelled his life vision. He then sought the only university in Kansas to offer a glass degree. In 2007, he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture and Glass from Emporia State University. Eager to pursue his passion, he went on to earn a Masters of Fine Arts degree in Sculpture and Glass at the University of Texas, Arlington, TX in 2013. Throughout his lifetime, he was awarded numerous scholarships and grants for artistic excellence.
Jesse was an accomplished, professional glassblower but often expressed himself through other “blue collar” materials such as torch-cut steel and chainsaw carved wood. The significance of his upbringing was evident in his artist portfolio where he often paid homage to his grassroots. He was a generous individual who was dedicated to sharing his passions with the world. He made a home with the love of his life and fellow artist, Minhi England, where they built a glass studio in Seattle, WA. The couple collaborated artistically, and in life, creating what he referred to as their “third voice.” Through their partnership, Jesse became an integral part of the glass and art community in Seattle.
Throughout Jesse’s professional career, he worked with Rollin Karg Art Glass, Sam Stang Glass, and Martin Blank Studios. These artists were valued by Jesse as both mentors and great friends. His greatest pride was contributing and participating in the growth of Artful Ashes in Seattle, WA. There he utilized his talents to memorialize clients’ lost loved ones in glass. He connected with everyone he encountered and brought comfort to those who witnessed him gracefully and skillfully maneuver in the studio.
Jesse always put others first, even after death. His charitable nature continued as an organ donor, where his corneas gave sight to two blind individuals. He had a profound love for life, and a smile bright enough to fill any room. His abundant kindness and positivity was remarkably rare, overcoming any hardship he faced. Though he was taken too soon, his legacy lives on in the hearts of friends and family.
Memorial services will be held in Council Grove, KS as well as in Seattle, WA later this year. Dates are yet to be announced.
To see more about Jesse’s art please visit his website:
Donations in memory of Jesse can be made to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance https://www.seattlecca.org/about/donate-and-volunteer/make-a-donation
The family thanks Seattle Cancer Care Alliance for their outstanding care and to Evergreen Hospice Center for keeping Jesse comfortable in his final days.
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