Bryce Jessup, former president of William Jessup University, dies at 85

Bryce Jessup, who served as president of William Jessup University (previously San Jose Bible College and San Jose Christian College) from 1984 to 2010 and oversaw the school’s move to Rocklin, died Thursday at 85.

Jessup apparently died of a heart attack during a fishing trip in Yosemite with his son Jim.

Jessup was the son of the college’s founder, William Jessup. He received his bachelor of theology degree from the San Jose Bible College in 1958, followed by a bachelor of arts and a master of arts from Pepperdine University and a doctor of divinity from Northwest Christian College.

Under Jessup’s presidency, enrollment grew at William Jessup University and the school gained regional accreditation. Jessup also oversaw the university’s move from an eight-acre campus in San Jose to its current home on 128 acres in Rocklin.

Jessup’s friends and family remember him as a devout leader who lived out his faith.

“Bryce was a father figure, mentor and encourager to me personally and to many others,” wrote Dr. John Jackson, the current president of William Jessup University, in an email to The Sacramento Bee. “We are honored for Jessup to carry his legacy, the legacy of his father and mother, and the present working of Jesus in Northern California and to the ends of the earth.”

Bayside Church pastor Ray Johnston described Jessup as an example to those around him.

“Not only was he an integral part of our Bayside family, he was a pillar of strength, goodwill and faith in our community,” Johnston wrote in a Facebook post. “There are many good leaders — quite a few great ones too, but there was only one Bryce Jessup.”

In his free time, Jessup enjoyed outdoor activities, which he participated in until the very end.

“Bryce loved to stand on his head at Half Dome,” Jackson wrote in his email to The Bee. “He did it when he was 65, 75, 80. He was planning to do it at 90.”

“Anyone who knew him knows that he loved to enjoy the outdoors and God’s creation,” Johnston wrote. “So it was only fitting that he went to be home with the Lord quickly and peacefully after an eight-mile hike and fly fishing in Yosemite!”

Jessup published articles on leadership and church issues, served on multiple nonprofit boards, and was named “Man of Valor” by the Racial Reconciliation Committee of Santa Clara Valley African-Americans in 1999. He also received a lifetime achievement award from a gathering of more than 100 regional churches and an award of recognition from Placer County.

Jessup is survived by his wife of 64 years, Jo, and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Details about a memorial service will be released soon, according to William Jessup University’s website.

This story was originally published July 31, 2020 at 2:35 PM.