Reverend Jesse James Britt was born on September 16, 1945 in St. George, South Carolina to the late Henry and the late Roxanna Britt. At an early age he joined the Bethel Baptist Church in St. George, South Carolina and served there until he moved to New York City in 1963. He returned to South Carolina in 1977 and rejoined the Bethel Baptist Church. He was called to the ministry in 1987 and was assigned as Pastor of the Nazarene Baptist Church in Cottageville, South Carolina, where he faithfully served for 20 years. In 1965 he married Yolanda Walden. In 1977 he and Yolanda adopted Ken Jamaine Walden and took him and loved him completely. Jesse was a very proud parent of his son Ken.

Rev. Britt loved to sing, preach, and play golf. He volunteered in the St. George school system for many years and received several awards for his service with children in the community. He was a recording artist and a member of many musical groups, recording songs such as "My God is Real", "New Born Soul", and "Use Me Lord". He was employed by Star Redi Mix for 25 years.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Bill Britt, John Henry Britt, and Reverend Julius Britt; and four sisters, Cammie Beckham, Bee McFadden, Tommie Walker, and Hazel Pankey.

He leaves to remember him his devoted wife, Yolanda E. Walden Britt for almost 53 years; son, Rev. Dr. Ken J. Walden and his wife Michelle of Atlanta, Georgia; one brother, Willie Gene Britt of St. George, South Carolina; two sisters, Joan Lawrence of Summerville, SC, and Maxine Britt of St. George, South Carolina; one sister-in-aw, Gloria Britt.  He also leaves nieces, nephews, and friends to continue to celebrate his life.