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1928
2016
James Monroe Bess "Grandpa Jim"
July 27, 1928
April 30, 2016
On April 30, 2016 at 0535 am, WWII, Korea, Vietnam Veteran James Monroe Bess "Jim" passed away peacefully with his wife Dixie and family by his side.
Jim was born July 27, 1928 in Portland Missouri to Thomas and Isabel Bess. He was raised on a farm, attended a small one room school, and graduated from Mokane High School in 1946. Growing up Jim longed to be a United States soldier. After graduating he joined the Army and began his life long journey of serving the country he loved. His experiences during his 23 year enlistment shaped the countless stories that he loved to recount with a clarity that amazed and captivated all that heard them.
In 1949 he married Conza Mae Baldwin and together they adopted their two daughters Dee and Susie and their son James. After Jim retired from the Army at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer Four (CW4) in 1969 their family settled in Carrington, Missouri at the family farm and Jim started "Can Do Services" which led to years of building homes and completing remodel jobs in the surrounding areas. Over the years Jim and Connie fostered up to eight children at a time and in the process helped countless children in their area.
Although Jim was retired from the Army his love for his country never left him. He loved to read "Army Times" and it was in one issue that he saw a civil service opportunity at DZB in Hawthorne, Nevada that would allow him to return to the work that he loved. In 1982 he moved his family to Hawthorne and fell in love with the surrounding area. In 1984 Jim lost his wife Connie to cancer. Jim met and married Dixie Pellett in 1985 and accepted a position at the Sierra Army Depot a year later in Herlong, California. Upon retiring in 1992 Jim and Dixie returned to Hawthorne, Nevada.
Jim Bess was a humble man that lived his life grounded in his faith, centered on his family, and committed to the service of his country. In his 87 years of life he had many highlights and accomplishments. He was honored to serve as the Grand Marshal of the Armed Forces Day Parade. In 2014 he was a part of the Honor Flight Nevada which flew our local veterans to Washington D.C. where they toured the memorials and were honored for their service. Jim loved the beauty of the Nevada desert and could be found driving the dirt roads on Mt. Grant and beyond with his camera in hand. He was in his glory on the hunting trips where he proudly served as the camp cook and he treasured the times he was able to spend in the great outdoors with family and friends. Anyone that has had the honor of being in the company of Jim would know the sincerity of his embrace as he would wrap you in a hug that said "seeing you again was the highlight of his day". In his shop he created treasures for all of his children and grandchildren as he turned pieces of scrap wood into just about anything you could imagine. He loved the outdoors, eagles, and could grow anything in this parched desert climate. In fact we all laughed when Grandpa put stakes in the ground to support the vegetables in his garden and the stakes started growing leaves.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Dixie, brother John and wife Lois of Missouri, sons Tom and wife Sabrina of Reno, Jerry of Colorado, Mike of California, James and wife Pat of Texas, Pat and wife Holly of Hawthorne, Rob of Hawthorne, and daughters Dee and husband Jon of California, Tracey and husband John of Reno, Susie and husband Darren of California, and Lisa and husband Lloyd of Utah. Grandchildren include Kyle Pellett (Summer), Heather Close (Jason), Sarah Brewer (Billy), Megan White, Courtney Curtis, Nick Eudy (Ashley), Zachary Pellett, Shaun Pellett (Rebecca), Jonah Pellett (Alex), Devin Eudy, Hillary Pellett, Kaitlin Pellett, Brooke Pellett, Hannah Pellett, Alyssa Eudy. Jim also leaves fourteen great grandchildren and two additional great grandchildren that are due to arrive soon.
A Memorial Service will take place at the LDS Church, located at 207 South A St. Hawthorne, NV on Friday, May 20th at 11:00 am, with a reception to follow.
The family would like to thank the doctors and staff of Renown Medical Center for the exceptional care and support they provided Jim and the family during his last days. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations in Jim's name to the Honor Flight of Nevada, P.O. Box 21123, Reno, NV 89515 or by calling Gunny Rios at 775-323-9955, www.honorflightnv.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I miss him every day.
This world is not the same without him.
Lisa Pellett
July 30, 2019
He was my father I miss him so much and I love him God bless him
James Matthew best
May 6, 2017
I was a falster kid of Jim and Connors they were great teachers of and help me me the person I an today rest in peace
James Reppy
November 13, 2016
Dixie and family: We were all so blessed to have Jim in our lives. Even though I did not see him as often as you all did, when seeing him for a visit he was always so happy to see me and always gave the best hugs. My heart still hurts for you all, he was such a great man and the best grandpa to my niece and nephew. Keep those special memories close to your heart and know that he is upstairs watching over all of you with that great smile he always had. Love you all so much and I will be thinking of all of you this weekend as you say so long, see you again someday. R.I.P. Grandpa Jim
Debbie Madea
May 18, 2016
Dear Susie & Dee,
My heart breaks for your loss. He was an amazing man with a big heart and mischievous smile who had a gift for making anyone, especially children, feel like they were the center of the universe.
No doubt he is in heaven giving fun nicknames to all the other angels!
Hugs and prayers to you both.
May 11, 2016
Dee & Susie:
We were very sad to hear of your Dad's death. It sounds like he was an amazing man.
Much love & (((Hugs))),
Lola & Brent Eudy
May 9, 2016
We loved Uncle Matt and will miss his warm loving hugs and smile. God Bless and comfort his family. Mike & Vicki D'Harlingue
May 9, 2016
We were blessed to have Uncle Jim in our lives. His kindness to everyone in our family will always be cherished and remembered. He touched many lives and will be missed by so many. We are so sorry Aunt Dixie and are sending love and hugs your way! We love you.
Linda McRae
May 8, 2016
Love this man more than life.
Rest In Peace!
Lisa Pellett
May 8, 2016
Lisa Pellett
May 8, 2016
My sincere condolences to your family. May God "who comforts us in all our trials" (2 Cor 1:4) comfort you and your family at such a difficult time. I know God will help you to endure because he cares for you (1Peter 5 :7).
May 7, 2016
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