Jesse Arlen Poarch

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated, and disciplined person. This description fairly accurately fits Jesse Arlen Poarch who was indeed one of that rare breed, a born leader. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical, and realistic, someone who was a born manager. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, Jesse was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him, and let it be known just who he was and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Jesse knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in his community.

      Arlen was born on May 2, 1948. He was the son of Azor and Alvis Poarch. Arlen grew up in Lenoir, NC on Forest Hill Drive. Even as a youngster, Jesse learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was something that he carried with him throughout his life. His early life was filled with many exciting experiences.

      As a young boy, Arlen was able to put his natural abilities to work. He was a bit like the "Sergeant" of the family, always making sure that others did what they should do and that they avoided the things that they shouldn't. In other words, he liked to organize and direct; he was good at it. He was raised with five siblings. Four brothers, Jim, David, Bud and Doug and one sister, Iris. Arlen liked to sing with Iris, work with Jim and work on cars with Doug. Jesse tried his best to allow for the oldest members of the family to be the most respected and to take on the most responsibility. For him, this was the natural order of life. Arlen's paternal grandparents were James Calvin and Cynthia Oxford Poarch and his maternal grandparents were Virgil and Rose Walser. His grandfather Virgil had a store and he had Alzheimer's so he was bad to give people too much change. He was also close to other relatives; Arlen's extended family included a particular aunt. Aunt Gusty- she was very vulgar for a woman.

      Arlen's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. As a young boy, Arlen enjoyed being part of teams and organizations, as well as groups of other kids who shared similar interests. Some of the sports he enjoyed playing during childhood included football with neighbors and friends.

     He had a number of favorite pastimes, which included riding bicycles, singing and playing the guitar. Being a natural leader, he enjoyed playing games with his friends, especially football. He attended Gamewell Elementary School in Gamewell, NC.

       Arlen was sociable and approachable. Because he was always so straightforward in how he approached relationships, friends and family knew that what they saw was always what they got. This is how he approached his friendships. Jesse loved animals, and it all started with a dog named Brownie.

       Arlen felt comfortable taking charge in just about any situation. Whether it was at home or away, he maintained a take-charge attitude. His first home was on Kincaid Road, but it burned and they built a house on Forest Hill. When the family would travel or take vacations, he was always organized.

      In school, Jesse was as close to being a model student as one could possibly imagine. He sought to achieve perfect attendance in all of his classes. He would eagerly complete his homework, and often put in extra study time when he felt it was necessary. A logical and focused thinker, Arlen was always good at following directions and meeting his deadlines, whether they were set by his teachers or self-imposed. Arlen's personal motto could have been, “Do it right the first time.” He graduated from Gamewell-Collettesvile High School in 1966. Arlen was in the camera club in high school.

       While high school was to be taken seriously, Arlen knew that there was life outside of the classroom. He approached all of his leisure activities with the same straightforward approach that he used in school. Still, he enjoyed the camaraderie of being with a group of friends. His interaction with others in his circle of friends seemed to keep everyone around him well-grounded. Those close to him came to expect his high standards. Some of his best friends during this time included Denny Key and Dennis McCall. They were known to have spit paper wads in class and to speak "Pig Latin". When Arlen and his friends got together, they would go to rehearse with their band.

       Arlen began to date Sally Murphy in high school. Arlen went to his prom with Sally Murphy, but it was not the best time they ever had. The prom was held in the lunchroom- they camped with the boys .

       Arlen seemed to have been born with a sense of responsibility. It seemed that no matter what he undertook, he treated it as though it were of the utmost importance. Such was the case when he took a job at building houses with his brother Jim. His sense of responsibility did not end there but flowed over into any number of other areas. His first car was a1963 or1964 Ford. Arlen was also involved in the community during his high school years. Arlen's practical work ethic carried over into his college years. His logical mind permitted him to work hard without succumbing to the usual distractions of college life. He would tackle an assignment and work through it before moving onto the next project. His orderly nature gave way to establishing personal study habits and procedures that not only helped him stay on track, but often put him ahead of schedule. When Jesse saw the need or benefit, he would willingly take on the extra assignment or even attend extra classes in order to learn more and become a better student. Arlen began college at CCC&TI and planned to transfer-but he could not because it was a refresher course. He started out as a history major and then changed to business. His favorite courses were Donald Kincaid at CCC&TI, he was a history teacher and El;Eliza Bishop at CCC&TI, she was an English teacher.

       The college years proved to Arlen that the entire world was worth exploring. Arlen enjoyed the great concert performances-The Carpenters and The 4 Seasons while in his college years

       Because he was such a straight-shooter, he developed a strong group of friends during his college years. Arlen continued to keep pets during these years, namely beagles, at one point he had seventeen of them. Arlen wrote a paper in college called PUP SNATCHING. It was about his dogs and their puppies.

       College often brings on a number of fun and offbeat stories about a person's living arrangements. It was no different for Jesse. Arlen lived at home while in college. He commuted back and forth to Appalachian State.

      An objective and conscientious individual, Jesse reveled in the security of those closest to him. This was especially true with Sally Jane Murphy. Arlen was a football player and Sally was a cheerleader, they spent time together because of sports and it took off from there.

     He exchanged vows with Sally on August 27, 1966. The bridesmaids were Nancy Beard and Jackie Murphy. Standing up with the groom was Randy Coffey. Arlen and Sally were married in a formal service that was held at St. Stephens Lutheran Church. It was attended by many family and friends. The service was officiated by Rev. George Keck. The reception was held in the fellowship hall of the church.

       Following the ceremony, Jesse and Sally spent time together on their honeymoon. They went to Wilmington for the honeymoon. They had a flat tire and had to by two bowls and two spoons so they could eat cereal.

       One of Jesse’s most endearing qualities was his uncanny ability to remember important dates and anniversaries, as well as his unending enthusiasm for organizing a celebration for his family and friends. The couple made new friends during their years together. Some of their closest friends were Jimmy and Frances Huffman. They played guitars for a gospel group and went to some wild churches.

       As was the case with many young couples, Jesse and Sally lived modestly during the early years of their marriage. Their first residence was at 107 forest Hill Drive with his Mom. The first house they purchased was at 321 N. Fairview Drive, Lenoir, NC.

       A civic-minded person, Arlen was usually ready to jump in and help with community activities. He was the type of person who could masterfully organize events and projects and then see to it that they were run in an efficient and timely manner. He was a member of several community groups including Theater and Foothills Performing Arts. Being generous with his time and energy, Arlen liked to belong to a variety of groups and organizations. He was a vocal leader who enjoyed being a part of things. His desire to uphold traditions and his ability to take charge of any type of project made him a tremendous asset. He was also a member of the Optimist Club.

      Arlen was ever watchful of his family. He worried about them and was deeply concerned for how each member developed. Some may have believed he was a bit overprotective because he maintained a firm hand in most family matters. But he would give his stamp of approval to any request, as long as he could see how it might be beneficial. He also had the ability to enforce the rules if and when they were needed. Arlen had four children, three sons, Richard Arlen, Gregory Adam and Brian Andrew and one daughter, Jennifer Nanette. Arlen loved his children very much and they were a very close family and still are today.

       Arlen was a proud parent. He would often be filled with pride because of the accomplishments of his children. He was proud of the children in all that they did, but really enjoyed seeing them dance and perform in plays.

       Arlen liked to believe that he provided a warm, safe and nurturing environment for his children. Their house was a two story brick house with a full basement. They had a swimming pool and a barn. He also tried to instill a love of animals in his children and made sure that they had pets in the house, such as they had a goat and a ferret. Arlen enjoyed family vacations, and also tried to teach responsibility when the family would travel. The family took a trip west when Brian was six months old and again when Jennifer was six months old.

       Later, he was also blessed with five grandchildren and three step grand children, Jessica, Gavin, Carson, Cali, Jackson and step grand children Ethan, Makayla and Kaitlin.

      Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Arlen was always striving to make improvements when they were necessary or productive. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent project supervisor, he was a person who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his colleagues. In both his personal and professional environments, Jesse upheld his high standards. His first full time job was working with his brother building houses. His primary occupation was being the owner of Cash Paneling and Building Supply in Lenoir, NC. Arlen was an accountant for Barger Millwork in 1974 and before that, he worked with American Credit from 1970-1974. Arlen was a talented businessman. It was your fairytale rags to riches story. He also had talented children and grandchildren that he was so very proud of.

       Arlen's ability to take command of any type of task caused him to be popular around the workplace. Arlen was most definitely a team player. If you gave him a job, he would, without a doubt, get it done.

      Arlen approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached other aspects of his life. A person who enjoyed being neat and orderly as well as one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his various hobbies. Some of those included fishing, singing, making music and writing a play.

       For Arlen, many things brought him a little bit of joy in life. One of Arlen's favorite things was to visit New York City. Food was there to be enjoyed, especially his favorites, such as fried squash. Reading was very important and included Under The Yum Yum Tree and he loved to read Goodnight Moon to his daughter, Jennifer when she was young. Arlen most enjoyed the music that he wrote and performed.

       Playing by the rules was a natural thing for Arlen to do in life and that carried over to his enjoyment of sports. He also enjoyed watching his favorite teams and events whenever he got the opportunity. Arlen loved to watch football, his favorite team was the Dallas Cowboys-especially the cheerleaders!

      Jesse Arlen Poarch left us on June 17, 2011. He passed away in Caldwell Clounty, North Carolina. He was 63 years old. The cause of death was a heart attack. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Doug and Jim. He is survived by his long time girlfriend Lyn Mikeal, his children, Richard, Gregory, Brian, Jennifer and Lyndsey and their spouses and his grandchildren. Services were handled by Pendry's Funeral Home in Lenoir, NC. Arlen was laid to rest at Blue Ridge Memorial Park in Lenoir, NC.

      All who knew him would agree that Arlen was a pillar of the community. He lived his life with his feet firmly planted on the ground. He had a strong work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and acts, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was willing to share his ideas and knowledge for the benefit of others, so that they could accomplish more in their lives. Jesse Arlen Poarch did his best to ensure that his family, friends, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched were given the chance to become a better person.

Mr. Jesse Arlen Poarch, 63, of Lenoir, NC, passed away, Friday, June 17, 2011 at Caldwell Memorial Hospital in Lenoir, NC.

He was born in Caldwell County on May 2, 1948 to the late Azor Tipton and Alvis Louise Walser Poarch. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, Jim and Doug Poarch.

Mr. Poarch graduated from ASU, was a former member of the Lenoir Optimist Club; was a general contractor and was the owner of Cash Paneling and Building Supply in Lenoir, NC.

Those left to cherish his memory are his faithful partner, Ms. Lyn Mikeal of the home, three sons, Brian Poarch and wife, Rebecca of Lenoir, NC, Greg Poarch and wife, Melody of Morganton, NC, Richard Poarch and wife, Jeanine of Conover, NC; two daughters, Jennifer Stone and husband, Jeff of Ivins, Utah, Lyndsey Gibson and husband, Christopher of Durham, NC; one brother, David “Buddy” Poarch of Lenoir, NC; two sisters, Iris Pritchard and Lucille Ward and husband, Ray; eight grandchildren, Ethan, Kaitlin, Makayla, Jessica, Carson, Gavin, Calista, and Jackson, who meant the world to him.

Funeral services for Mr. Poarch will be held Monday, June 20, 2011 at St. Stephens Lutheran Church in Lenoir, NC at 2:30 pm with the Reverend Tony Bradshaw officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until 2:30 pm prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow the service at Blue Ridge Memorial Park in Lenoir, NC.

Serving as pallbearers will be Sean Maroney, Joe Icard, Ben Griffin, Dale Triplett, Jeff Stone, Joe Poarch, Ethan Barnett, and Christopher Gibson.

* * * * * * * * * *

Mr. Jesse Arlen Poarch, 63, of Lenoir, NC, passed away, Friday, June 17, 2011 at Caldwell Memorial Hospital in Lenoir, NC.

He was born in Caldwell County on May 2, 1948 to the late Azor Tipton and Alvis Louise Walser Poarch. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two brothers, Jim and Doug Poarch.

Mr. Poarch graduated from ASU, was a former member of the Lenoir Optimist Club; was a general contractor and was the owner of Cash Paneling and Building Supply in Lenoir, NC.

Those left to cherish his memory are his faithful partner, Ms. Lyn Mikeal of the home, three sons, Brian Poarch and wife, Rebecca of Lenoir, NC, Greg Poarch and wife, Melody of Morganton, NC, Richard Poarch and wife, Jeanine of Conover, NC; two daughters, Jennifer Stone and husband, Jeff of Ivins, Utah, Lyndsey Gibson and husband, Christopher of Durham, NC; one brother, David “Buddy” Poarch of Lenoir, NC; two sisters, Iris Pritchard and Lucille Ward and husband, Ray; eight grandchildren, Ethan, Kaitlin, Makayla, Jessica, Carson, Gavin, Calista, and Jackson, who meant the world to him.

Funeral services for Mr. Poarch will be held Monday, June 20, 2011 at St. Stephens Lutheran Church in Lenoir, NC at 2:30 pm with the Reverend Tony Bradshaw officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 pm until 2:30 pm prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow the service at Blue Ridge Memorial Park in Lenoir, NC.

Serving as pallbearers will be Sean Maroney, Joe Icard, Ben Griffin, Dale Triplett, Jeff Stone, Joe Poarch, Ethan Barnett, and Christopher Gibson.

Memorials may be made to The Activity Fund for the Residents of Carolina Oaks Enhanced Care Center, P.O. Box 487, Lenoir, NC 28645.

Online condolences may be placed at www.pendrysfuneralhome.com

Pendry’s Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Poarch family.