Jesse Melms, dedicated husband and father of three beautiful little daughters, suffered a life-threatening injury on Tuesday (9/9/25) at the Newport News Shipyard.

Jesse is a beloved member of his family, his Catholic parish, his work community, the local theatre community, as well as his children’s school and extra-curricular communities, and a life-long resident of Hampton Roads and Smithfield.

With the knowledge of what great lengths Jesse has always taken to provide for his dear wife and children, we would like to offer our financial support to him, his wife, and children during this time while they navigate any fees, bills, expenses, and costs of living that cannot be assuredly covered by the gap of worker’s compensation to what his normal salary was. Once Jesse is personally aware of the gravity of his situation, we want to offer him a sense of financial security in lieu of feeling helpless and out of control as he navigates the lengthy road to full recovery.

In addition, the family has asked all to please pray for the intercession of local man, Servant of God, Frank Parater for a miraculous healing for Jesse.