Jim was born December 29, 1933 in Parr, Indiana to Lorah and Myrtle Hess. He spent his childhood in the Indiana and Missouri area before joining the United States Air Force at age 17. Jim was stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base before serving four years overseas in the Korean Conflict. Aftering returning, he decided to stay in the Spokane area to raise his three wonderful children.
Jim played music all his life and was well known in the music industry. He travelled all over the United States and several countries playing with some of the greatest musicians. Jim’s love of jazz and country, and his strong vocals made him very versatile. In 1976 he married Melanie Boeck and they continued music as a duo until his retirement.
Jim was proceeded in death by his son, Michael; brothers, Melvin, Red, Don and Bill; sister, Dorothy.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Melanie; sister, Betty O’Hern; daughter Veloye Christenberry (Alan); son, David (Terri); grandchildren, Alisha Hess, Levi Hess (Michelle), Christine Edmonds (Trevor), Steve Johnson (Kelly); great-grandson, Kyle Edmonds; numerous sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews; and his beloved dogs, Abby and Nala.
The family would like to thank the VA Telehealth and VA Hospice for their loving and compassionate care.
The Celebration of Jim’s Life will take place 10:00 am Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at Spokane Valley Church of the Nazarene, 15515 E 20th Ave, Spokane Valley, WA. Military Honors will follow at 2:15 PM at the WA State Veteran’s Cemetery, 21702 W. Espanola Rd, Medical Lake, WA
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