Charles Erwin Jessup was born to Robert and Annie Jessup in Texas. He grew up in Texarkana, Texas and enlisted in the Air Force after college. The Air Force provided an opportunity to travel to Udorn, Thailand, as well as computer training which became his lifelong profession. He bought his first camera in Thailand which also led to his favorite hobby of taking pictures. Charlie also enjoyed traveling to PT Cruiser events, especially Colorado, with the various car clubs he and Brenda were members of. In 2010, Brenda persuaded Charlie to move from Texas to the Phoenix area so they could be near her son and his family. Charlie also enjoyed listening to rock and roll, country and classical music, as evidenced by his large collection of LPs and CDs. In his later years, he spent time watching westerns, especially John Wayne DVDs. Charlie became a Christian as a child and attended church throughout his life.
Surviving family members include his wife, Brenda; his sister, Carolyn (Gregg) Cooney; his stepson, Mark and wife Valerie; and five grandchildren, Weston, Parker, Avery, Laney and Vance.