The Placer County Board of Supervisors honored Dr. Bryce Jessup of William Jessup University and volunteer extraordinaire Fuzzy Jarnagin of Loomis Tuesday, presenting them with commemorative coins created for a county citizen-recognition program.
Dr. Jessup served as president of William Jessup University for 26 years before his retirement in May 2010. He continues to serve as president emeritus.
He was selected to receive a commemorative coin by Fourth District Supervisor Kirk Uhler. Senior Pastor Ray Johnston of Bayside Church in Granite Bay, the 4th District’s 2008 coin recipient, was on hand to describe some of Dr. Jessup’s many accomplishments.
“You’re the single best model and mentor that anybody has ever had,” Pastor Johnston said, noting that Dr. Jessup serves as a mentor to everyone from business chief executive officers to university students. “I have never seen you treat a CEO or student differently. You’re the same person with everyone.”
Third District Supervisor Jim Holmes, the board member who represents Loomis, presented Jarnagin with his commemorative coin.
“There are a lot of unsung heroes in our communities who do a lot of good things every day,” Holmes told the audience, “and my recipient, Fuzzy Jarnagin, epitomizes that type of activity and community activism.”
Supervisor Holmes said he often sees Jarnagin installing signs, directing traffic, helping people find parking and doing whatever else needs to be done during community events in Loomis.
The board created the commemorative coin program in 2002 to recognize acts of heroism, longstanding community service and exceptional acts that dramatically improved or impacted people’s lives.
The commemorative coins feature the county seal on one side. On the other side are the word “hero” and the image of an eagle with a star and sun rays in the background. The second side of the coin was designed by J. Randal Smith, an Auburn native who is a nationally known artist.
DR. BRYCE JESSUP
Dr. Jessup has worked as a professor, pastor, coach and dean of students. He is a popular speaker for civic clubs, churches, and marriage and family retreats and serves on several nonprofit boards.
He and his wife, Jo, have been married for 59 years. They have three children who are in full-time ministry work, seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
While he was president, the university substantially improved its financial position, achieved accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, significantly increased enrollment, expanded its curriculum, and moved from San Jose to its current 128-acre campus in Rocklin.
Supervisor Uhler noted that William Jessup University’s success in Placer County serves as a great example for other universities that are interested in developing campuses within the county.
“Thank you for that, and know your impact goes far beyond your campus,” he told Dr. Jessup.
FUZZY JARNAGIN
Jarnagin was a member of the South Placer Heritage Foundation and a major contributor of time and expertise to the remodeling and reconstruction of the Blue Goose Event Center in Loomis. He also served on the board of directors of the Loomis Chamber of Commerce and is commander of The American Legion John A. Stacker Post #775 in Loomis.
Supervisor Holmes noted that his coin recipient also plays an instrumental role in organizing the town’s Memorial Day ceremonies.
Jarnagin served in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1963 and was stationed on a minesweeper in Japan for two years.
He has lived in Loomis for 35 years, raising his family there and working as an electrician for the same contractor for many years.
“I just want to let you know how much I appreciate your leadership in the town of Loomis and the community,” Supervisor Holmes said.
