“I’m the luckiest person in the world,” says Ron Jessee, Music Director at Pacific Beach United Methodist Church. “My entire life is immersed in the visual and performing arts—my spiritual life, my professional life, and my personal life.”

Ron possesses a B.A. degree in Music Education and an M.A. degree in Curriculum & Supervision. In 2001, after almost twenty-five years in education (teaching music and drama classes and serving as an assistant principal), he accepted the position of Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator at the San Diego County Office of Education.

Ron has served as Music Director here at PB UMC since 1985. On any given Sunday, you may see him playing organ and piano, directing the choir in uplifting anthems, or sharing his clear countertenor voice in a solo or duet. In addition to regular Sunday morning music, Easter programs, and other special events, Ron also choreographs and directs the annual Christmas program, attended not only by members and their friends and families, but also by many non-members who live in the surrounding area.

Another aspect of the music program that Ron has instituted is the annual choir trip. Designed to create a spiritual-musical retreat out of the everyday environment, it has grown into a fun-filled, spirit-enriching bonding experience for all who attend. Additionally, it is a way to network with fellow musicians and to gather new ideas related to worship. Past destinations have included Seattle, Sacramento, Sedona, San Francisco, and even Breckenridge, Colorado.

A native Minnesotan, Ron has lived most of his adult life in the San Diego area. His work with Pacific Beach United Methodist Church goes beyond the position of Music Director. He and his spouse Louis Perez are both deeply committed to the church, involved with many activities. “PB UMC is at the very core of my existence,” explains Ron. “It is a fellowship of friends, with a spiritual center; a community that holds my partner and me up in love and prayer. It is a real rock in my life, and I am incredibly thankful that Pacific Beach United Methodist Church is such a large part of my life.”