John Joseph Hess

John Joseph Hess, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Thursday September 11, 2025, at the age of 83, in Visalia, CA.

John enjoyed a long life full of many happy memories. John was passionate about travelling throughout California and loved learning more about his home state. He could regularly be found playing Texas Hold ‘Em in Valley casinos and was proud of his numerous tournament championships. What made John the happiest was sharing his love of history with students, friends, and family.

John was born in Long Beach, CA on April 7, 1942 to the late Bill and Lillian Hess. In his youth, John and his family lived throughout California, finally settling in Fresno, CA in 1958 with his two sisters - Lucy and Mary.

John graduated from San Joaquin Memorial in 1960 and entered Fresno State studying geography and history. It was there he met his future wife, Cecile “Sally” McSherry, at a St. Paul Catholic Newman Center dance.

John and Sally married in Fresno in 1967 and moved to Visalia in 1972 to be closer to John’s teaching position at Mt. Whitney High School. John taught history at Mt. Whitney for over 30 years where he loved teaching about American wars and California history. Throughout his career, John met and mentored numerous students - some of whom became lifelong friends.

John and Sally were lovingly married 58 years and raised two children, Catherine “Katie” Elizabeth Welch and John Logan. John was a loving and caring father who instilled a passion for history and travelling with his family.

John is survived by his son, John Logan (Sarah) of Hanford, CA; and two grandsons - James (12) of Hanford, CA and Calvin Welch (10) of Visalia, CA. John was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and his daughter, Katie - who tragically passed in 2020.

A graveside service will be held at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery at 264 N Blythe Ave, Fresno, CA on Friday, October 10th at 11:00 AM.