Jess was born on February 9, 1930 to Nellie Irene (Morley) Lininger and Jesse Lee Lininger and raised in Highland, Kansas. He joined the National Guard at age 17. Jess attended Highland Community college for two years and completed his Mechanical Engineering degree at Kansas State University in 1953. After graduating from K-State, Jess moved to Kansas City to work at Black & Veatch. He spent his entire career at Black & Veatch and worked his way up to Partner, retiring in 1995.
He met the love of his life, Doris Louise Wells at the Pla-Mor Ballroom in Kansas City and they married soon after on December 21, 1954. They raised 4 children. Unfortunately, they didn’t get to enjoy their retirement years together because Dot died from complications of Alzheimer’s disease, December 2, 1998.
Jess was an avid golfer for most of his life and belonged to Leawood South Country Club for many years. After being widowed, he eventually joined the Singles Golf Group. He was a member and a deacon at Holmeswood Baptist Church. As a young father, dad enjoyed introducing his kids to camping, hunting for ducks and the elusive morel mushroom. Travel was also a constant adventure, along with always watching and enjoying his grandkid’s activities. He was a dedicated employee, husband, father and grandfather. Jess lived life to the fullest enjoying many activities, especially going to watch live music with his lady friend, Pat Potter, that included dancing and socializing with his friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Doris Louise Lininger, his mother Nellie Irene Lininger, his father Jesse Lee Lininger and his sister Grace Lee Frakes. He leaves behind his children: Jeff Lininger; Mona (Rick) Bain; Janis (Matt) Bolin; Karen (BB) Dawkins; his grandchildren: Erica Gough, Rachel Lininger and Luke Lininger; Kylie Bain and Morgan Bain; Lindsay Williams, Molly Bolin, and Kelly Reilly; Dani Dawkins, Nathan Dawkins and Jessica Otto and 7 great-grandchildren, with one on the way, and his lady friend Pat Potter and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the Occupational Therapist, Elizabeth at Park Meadows and the entire staff at Kansas City Hospice House for their kindness, care and compassion during this difficult time.
Visitation will be on Thursday, September 9 at 3:00pm, funeral service at 4:00pm at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO. Burial will follow in Mount Moriah Cemetery.
Online donations can be made to alz.org or by mail Alzheimer’s Association P.O. Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-6011.
