Jessie D. McClowell Presley’s Family, Career, and Struggles

Jessie D. McClowell Presley is commonly called J.D. Presley and is primarily known as the grandfather of Elvis Presley. Birthed in the late 19th century, J.D. lived a hard life with personal struggles and left behind a legacy that would be surpassed only by his grandson. This article covers his early life, education, career, and more.

Early Life and Family Background

Jessie D. McClowell Presley was born April 9, 1896 in Fulton, Itawamba County, Mississippi, to Rosella Presley. Rosella raised her nine children out of wedlock through sharecropping. J.D. came from a large, poor family that encouraged a work ethic and a desire to escape poverty.

Educational Background

Information about J.D. Presley’s formal education is scant. Given the era and his poor family economic situation, he probably had little education. In early 20th century, rural Mississippi children often skipped school to support their families.

Career

As the times demanded, J.D. Presley worked various jobs. In summer, he was a sharecropper and a lumberjack in winter. It was physically demanding and unstable work that had him moving frequently across Mississippi, Kentucky and Missouri looking for work.

Rise to Fame

J.D. Presley did not become a famous man himself but left a legacy through his grandson Elvis Presley. Hardships and determination in J.D.’s life indirectly shaped Elvis, who would become one of music’s greatest icons.

Personal Life

J.D. Presley wed Minnie Mae Hood on 20 July 1913. They had several children, among them Vernon Elvis Presley, born on April 10, 1916. Juvenile alcoholism and bar fights marked J.D.’s marriage to Minnie Mae. Despite the challenges, Minnie Mae remained his wife until their 1954 divorce.

Personal Life

Presley preferred a quiet life. Family time was important to him and he attended Presley gatherings, especially ones with his grandson Elvis.

J.D. Presley lived a life filled with challenges. He enjoyed drinking and fighting. It strained his relationships – especially with his son Vernon – who feared his demanding and aggressive personality.

Financial Worth

Financially, J.D. Presley never became extremely rich. His jobs were common in early 20th century working-class professions and financial hardship was common in many families.

Relationship with Son, Vernon Presley

J.D.’s strict and sometimes violent ways affected his son Vernon. And Vernon himself seemed fearful of his father. In spite of this tough dynamic, Vernon Presley was an avid supporter of his own son Elvis and ran Elvis’s finances and business affairs. J.D.’s parenting probably influenced how Vernon raised Elvis, and Vernon remained committed to his son.

His Grandson, Elvis Presley

Elvis Presley was J.D. Presley’s most famous descendant. While J.D. would never see Elvis at his peak of success, his life and struggles formed part of the family history which raised Elvis. Elvis made the Presley family more famous and showed the resilience of their beginnings.

Conclusion

Jessie D. McClowell Presley lived a hard life, had personal struggles and would be remembered through his grandson, Elvis Presley. Although J.D. was not famous himself, his story demonstrates the determination and strength of the Presley family.