A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 14, at Arroyo Grande Cemetery.
Jerome was born Aug. 16, 1968, in Anaheim, Calif. He moved to the Central Coast at the age of 13 and was a member of Calvary Chapel in Arroyo Grande. Jerome graduated from Arroyo Grande High School in 1986. He entered the Marine Corps after graduation and was honorably discharged. He then received an associates of arts degree from Cuesta College and attended Cal Poly. He was a student of life, pursuing a master's degree.
Jerome was an avid surfer and a talented, self-taught pianist. Following a debilitating injury at the age of 25, Jerome focused on his love of literature, music and good conversation. He was an independent spirit known by all for his quick wit and love of life.
Jerome will be greatly missed by his mother, Helen; siblings and their spouses, Judy and George Smith, Keith and Olga Essen, Claudia and Doug Hickman, Curtis and Annetta Essen, Glenn and Kathy Essen, and Sally and Scott Garlinghouse; a plethora of nieces, nephews and cousins; and an ocean full of friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Orville Essen; and his nieces, Jessica Marie Essen and Heather Smith.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jerome's memory C/O Curtis Essen, 529 Allen St., Arroyo Grande, CA 93420. https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/sanluisobispo/obituary.aspx?n=jerome-alan-essen&pid=2317596