Jess passed away at the age of 93 in his Chula Vista home. He was born in Maumee, OH.
His professional career centered on photography. He served 22 years in the Navy, including four years during WWII, and retired as a Chief Petty Officer. He was employed by Brown’s Motion Picture Lab of San Diego and later by Grossmont College in their photo department.
In 1946, he wed Virginia Lou Follmer and they were married for 61 years. Jess is survived by 2 daughters, 2 sons, a daughter-in-law, 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
He settled his family in Chula Vista in 1955 and joined St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in 1956 – where he served in a variety of capacities until earlier this year.
He was active throughout the community and volunteered with the PTA, the Boy Scouts as a Scoutmaster of Troop 855, for Meals on Wheels program, with the Chula Vista Police Department and the Senior Center, where he passionately organized a shuffleboard program.
He practiced the Golden Rule every day of his life, touched many lives, and left the world a better place for having lived in it. He will be missed by friends and family alike.
Jess’ family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to San Diego Hospice for their kind and attentive care. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name for San Diego Hospice are appreciated. The funeral service was held on July 23, 2011 at St. Mark’s.