Pasadena ISD Names Jess Fields Sr. Distinguished Citizen Of 2018

By: Jade Wise
Pasadena ISD Communications

President and owner of Rosewood Funeral Home, Jess Fields Sr. has been named the Pasadena ISD 2018 Distinguished Citizen of the Year.

The prestigious distinction is awarded annually to a local resident or business representative who has demonstrated a strong commitment to serving communities within the school district.

Fields is the latest in a long line of outstanding community members, including John Sweitzer, Marie Flickinger, Bill Barmore and John Phelps, to be selected for their impact on Pasadena ISD students and teachers.

Fields, a third generation funeral director, has dedicated his life to guiding families through grief by providing comfort to those who are hurting.

“God has given us all very special gifts and mine is being able to helping others,” said Fields. “I feel that at Rosewood I am able to reach my goals. That is how I would define success – helping others.”

His gift for helping others reaches beyond business, but into the community as well.
Fields has served as chairman of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, where he developed positive relationships and brought new businesses to Pasadena.

“Being chairman of the Pasadena Chamber was one of the greatest joys of my life,” said Fields. “I always liked Pasadena, but after serving as chairman, I loved Pasadena.”

As one of the founding donors for the McDonald’s Texas Invitational Basketball Tournament, Fields was instrumental in helping the tournament get off the ground.

In turn, the tournament has brought in more than $2.2 million dollars for mini-grants in Pasadena and Deer Park.

Over the years, he has maintained his commitment to the students and teachers of Pasadena ISD through his continued financial support, volunteer efforts during the tournament and by serving on the PISD Education Foundation Advisory Board.

“Teachers and administrators are key to our children’s future,” said Fields. “It makes me smile to know that the money goes for a great cause.”

Fields will be recognized at a special ceremony in the Frank Braden Educational Center in the Carmen Orozco Professional Development Complex on Jan. 31.