Jessie was raised on a cattle ranch in Modoc County, California. She grew up cutting hay and riding the Nevada desert and the high desert country of northeastern California. After high school graduation she attended a community college where she received an AA degree in clerical work. She met Rod at a high school rodeo and they later became team roping partners. She married Rod one year following high school and they are still partners today. After receiving her AA degree Jessie primarily focused on work and helped support the family while Rod worked part time and attended school. As well as work away from the home Jessie raised three children and supported Rod in his endeavors. Today the kids are grown and Jessie serves as the office manager at Lakeview Animal Hospital.