Bradley Dean Jesson, a former chief justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court and close friend and confidante of the late former Gov. Dale Bumpers, died at a Fort Smith hospital Monday. He was 83.
Jesson has battled heart problems for several years, and he was surrounded by family members in the days leading to his death, son-in-law Tim Brooks said Monday evening.
In a statement, Jesson's family called him an "incredible father, grandfather, lawyer and community servant."
"From an early age, Brad excelled in every endeavor and was known in legal circles as the model of civility and professionalism," the statement said. "He was an Eagle Scout, President of his college student body and an officer in the U.S. Air Force. He later served as Fort Smith City Attorney, Chair of the Arkansas Democratic Party, Chair of the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees and Chief Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court. Above all, Brad treasured family as his greatest accomplishment."
See Tuesday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.