MODESTO – Michael Sullivan, or “Big Jesse” as he was affectionately known by those close to him, was a friend to all.
That’s how many of his friends wanted him remembered as they gathered near his home on Debbie Lane Sunday trying to make sense of what happened to him.
Big Jesse’s life was taken during a shooting shortly after 2:00pm. The accused shooter was a neighbor.
But the end of his life was not how those gathered Sunday wanted him to be remembered.
Tracy Burkhart only met him six months ago, but knowing Big Jesse felt like having a lifelong best friend. Just like everyone at the scene Sunday, the two hit it off and became close.
“We just had a tri-tip dinner at his home last night,” Burkhart said. Together the two talked about their families and interests. They worked on vehicles together, and recently made a funny TikTok video of themselves as they pushed a Chevy Tahoe down the road because of the high gas prices.
The Tahoe, according to those watching Sunday’s events unfold, was a key to why their friend’s life was taken.
“Over a damn license plate,” said David Rivera.
Rivera explained that Big Jesse had recently purchased the Tahoe from his neighbor for $800. The vehicle was in a state of disrepair.
“So he bought a replacement motor for it,” Rivera said. “There were nuts and bolts all over his garage, but in the end, they were all put back in place.”
Rivera explained that Big Jesse had experience working on motorcycles. The Chevy Tahoe would have been a new challenge.
“For him to do the work he did, and get that vehicle running, that’s pure talent.”
A talent that Rivera lamented is now as irreplaceable as the man himself. He knew Big Jesse for the last three years.
“Jess was a smart guy and a fast learner. He was friendly and accepting, and we knew mutual people, so getting to know him felt right.”
He loved his three kids and was looking forward to spending the summer with them and go camping. Events and memories that Tracy Burkhart would have liked to experience beyond the six months he knew him.
“Now, I feel like I didn’t get enough time to value the friendship he gave to me,” Burkhart said.
Both Burkhart and Rivera vowed to offer their help to their friend’s family, in honor of the friendship he showed to them.
“I don’t care how long it takes tonight,” Rivera said while observing the investigation. “The last thing I want to do is close the garage door to his home for him.”
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