George Carter JessopOn March 1, 2018, Rotary District 5340 joined members of the Jessop family and the San Diego Rotary to celebrate George Carter Jessop Day. Jessop was recognized at a special program at the Rotary Club of San Diego for his achievements in Rotary, and for his never-ending commitment to giving back to the community.
 
Jessop served from 1985-86 as District Governor of what was then known as Rotary District 534. A member of the San Diego Rotary for over 50 years, Jessop remains a legend in the local community for his work with the 125 year-old Jessop's Jewelers.
In recognition of George Carter Jessop Day, President Bob Russell from the San Diego Rotary presented George with a proclamation from Mayor Kevin Faulconer and the City of San Diego, declaring March 1, 2018 to be George Carter Jessop Day. In addition to a plaque, the club also presented a special video produced by Rick Clark. Clark is a member of the La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary, one of the clubs that Jessop helped form during his time as District Governor. Clark's video featured Past District Governor Pat Crowell and Past Rotary International President Rick King discussing the important contributions made by George Carter Jessop.
 
 
Rotary District 5340 also declared March 1st to be George Carter Jessop Day across the entire district. District Governor Scott Carr presented George with a special plaque, including a letter to George from Rotary International President Ian Riseley. In addition, the Rotary District 5340 website at www.rotary5340.org was converted for the day with special photos honoring George and his family's many contributions to San Diego. 
 
Jessop was the grandson of founder Joseph Jessop, and George had joined the family business by 1950. Within short order, the Jessop's name could be found everywhere in town, from multiple jewelry locations to the famous Jessop's Clock that still stands in Horton Plaza. The clock was completed in 1907, and was commissioned by Joseph to help tell the time at different locations around the world. 
 
George's service to The Rotary Foundation made an incredible difference in many of those same parts of the globe, earning him The Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service for 1989-90. Four years later, The Rotary Foundation bestowed upon Jessop the Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor presented by the organization.
 
Through his active involvement in Rotary, Jessop helped raise the profile of District 534 both locally and across the globe. "My father knew everyone in town," George's son James once noted. During his year as District Governor, Rotary launched PolioPlus, what was then an ambitious program to immunize children across the globe against polio. Through his relationships with San Diego leaders, George helped get PolioPlus off the ground, and joined in as his home club celebrated its 75th birthday.
 
San Diego Rotary will be celebrating George's achievements today during their regular meeting. To learn more about Club 33, please visit:
 
 
 
George Carter Jessop and his son, Jim. (Photo courtesy Jessop's Jewelers)
 
 
George Carter Jessop. (Photo courtesy Jessop's Jewelers)