Jesse Ray Norwood, age 64, a native of McMinn County, passed away on Sunday, March 22nd, 2026. He is preceded in death by his parents: Ray Houston Norwood and Marjorie Ann Lyles Norwood, a brother: Jeffery Allen Key and a sister: Ela Mae Womac. Jesse is survived by his wife of 43 years: Ryoko Takahashi Norwood, a son: Nicholas Taro Norwood, and a brother: John Mark Norwood.

Jesse was born on December 16th, 1961 in Athens, TN. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy on May 23rd, 1979. He reported to basic training in Orlando, FL and attended Electricity/Electronics training in Great Lakes, Illinois. Shortly after, he attended Cryptologic Support Operator’s “C” school, a move which would go on to define the rest of his career. He graduated first in his class and advanced to Third Class Petty Officer in 1980.

Upon completion of training, Jesse reported to his first assignment on the COMSEVENTHFLT aboard the USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) where he served as Tactical Intel. Operator and Watch Section Supervisor home-ported in Yokosuka, Japan. During this time, he met his wife to be, Yoko and was advanced to Second Class Petty Officer. In 1982, he transferred to Kami Seva, Japan and served as Submarine Advisory Broadcast Operator and Watch Section Supervisor. At this time, he was advanced to First Class Petty Officer. Jesse and Yoko got married in 1983 in Tokyo, Japan. In 1986, he transferred to Skaggs Island, California, where he served as Multi-User Special Intelligence Communications Manager. He returned to Kami Seva in 1989 and was then advanced to Chief Petty Officer. In July 1992, he was transferred to Pensacola, Florida and served as TACINTEL Project Manager. He was advanced to Senior Chief Petty Officer during this time. His son, Nicholas was born in 1995. In 1996, he returned to staff aboard the USS Blue Ridge and served as Division Officer. In 1998, he transferred to his final command, Afloat Training Group Western Pacific where he served as AIS Division LCPO and Staff Support. Jesse retired from the Navy as Chief Petty Officer on October 22nd, 1999.

He continued supporting the Navy working for the Department of Defense as a civilian in Yokosuka, Japan for the majority of the next 23 years including stints in Norfolk, VA, and various other trips to support the mission. Towards the end of his career, he was a Senior Cybersecurity Expert/Manager responsible for information assurance, security policies and risk management of extremely sensitive Navy systems, ensuring and enabling Naval and Fleet Readiness throughout the entire Western Pacific region.

Jesse retired in 2024 with plans to reside in his homes in Niota, TN and Yokosuka, Japan respectively. He is a loved and respected husband, father, brother, sailor, co-worker, and much more. Jesse was a leader who took immense pride in his work throughout his various duties throughout the years. He only knew how to give. Family, friends, the U.S. Navy, the USA, and Japan honor and salute you. Fly high, Jesse Ray Norwood, we thank you. Your spirit shall live forever.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, April 2nd, 2026, at 12:30 PM at The Chattanooga National Cemetery with full military honors.

Family and friends are invited to sign the guest registry at http://www.zieglerfuneralhome.com.

Ziegler Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Jesse Ray Norwood.