Jesse Drew Cann

Jesse Drew Cann 

August 20, 1945 - April 26, 2026

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:7-8, KJV)

Those words were written by the Apostle Paul, but they are an apt tribute to Jesse Cann who entered the presence of His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, April 26, 2026. For all who knew Jesse, it is particularly fitting that he would depart to be with Christ on the Lord's Day.  At his core Jesse was and is now a worshipper of His Lord.  Jesse was many things - a faithful and devoted husband to his wife of 47 years, Ann; an amazing and award-winning singer and song-writer of gospel truth, and a gifted musician; a theologian and lover of God's Word; a man of godly wisdom, sound counsel, and rich encouragement; a lover of God's church; and an earnest witness and evangelist. But, above all, Jesse loved and worshipped His Savior, Redeemer, Deliverer, and Lord, Christ Jesus. His impact for the Kingdom of God will only be fully known on the day when Christ returns in His glory.

Jesse was born in Massachusetts to Albert and Arline Cann on August 20, 1945. At the age of 1, he moved with his family to New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment, where he grew up. He graduated from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, in 1968, earning a BS in Music. From there, Jesse hit the road as a travelling singer and musician all along the West Coast. He was steeped in the rock and roll culture, living the life of parties and sensual pleasures, and finding it all ultimately empty of true life. It was during that time when Christ laid hold of Jesse, when the Spirit of God renewed his heart, and Jesse came to faith in the only one who could save him from his sins. In that moment, the entire trajectory of his life changed, and he committed himself and his music entirely to the service of his Lord.

In a wonderful work of God's providence, the Lord had separately saved his former girlfriend, Margaret "Ann" Parker, and they reunited and were wed on November 4, 1978. Together they set about building a life rooted and grounded in the Lord. Jesse used the gifts that God had given to him to write, play, and sing soulful, God-centered, and soul-encouraging music with Ann exhorting and encouraging him. Jesse won numerous Rhythm of Gospel Awards and ministered in a variety of venues - churches, Christian schools, outreach functions, prison ministries, and benefit concerts. He attended Westminster Seminary and served as a worship leader in several churches.  Jesse's witness to the power of Almighty God to set the captive free and to open the eyes of the blind lifted many hearts in praise to God.

The testimony of Jesse's music, his godly life, his beautiful marriage to Anne, and his deep love for and worship of the Lord will endure in our memory and encourage all who know and love him. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." (Matthew 25:21, KJV)

 Jesse's life will be celebrated, first, with a church service at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the West Salem Baptist Church located at 500 Turner Road in Salem, Virginia. He will then be laid to rest at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Sherwood Memorial Park located at 1250 East Main Street, also in Salem. The Rev. Nick Shaffer will officiate.

 Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.