John Joseph Hess

John Joseph Hess
Mr. Hess, 86, of Charlotte North Carolina, departed this life on Saturday, July 14, 2007 at his home.
John was born in Jamaica, Long Island, NY and lived many years in St. Louis where he co-owned and operated Shattinger Music Company. John moved to Charlotte in 1980 where he continued his passion of playing saxophone in combos and orchestras. John enjoyed writing and playing music, especially jazz; he worked with many other musicians both as an ensemble member and mentor, willingly sharing his immense knowledge and love of music. John was a long time member of the Central Piedmont Community College Jazz Ensemble and the former Community Band that met at CPCC. As a part of several combos, John shared his saxophone expertise with many, including residents of Carriage Club, Merrywood, Sharon Towers, Plantation Estates, Southminster, and Wilora Lake. John loved life and he shared that love and optimism through his music and humour, always touching people's lives whether playing at church, weddings, parties, social events, or concerts. All who knew him were touched by his one line 'zingers,' adopted from notable persons' quotes or from acquaintances who also had the knack of turning a phrase.
John is survived by his wife of 24 years, Linda DeForest Hess and his children, daughter Ellen Jane Hess of Phoenix AZ, and son Lee Jeffrey Hess of St. Louis; granddaughter Jamie Hess; and other devoted nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Frank and Martha Hess, his brothers Frank and Charles, and first wife/mother of his children, Marcella Byrne Hess.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of John will be held 11:00 AM Saturday August 11, 2007 at Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church, 15000 York Road, Charlotte NC 28278.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the CPCC Jazz Ensemble by making checks payable to: CPCC Foundation, (memo line: John Hess Jazz Fund), PO Box 35009, Charlotte NC 28235-5009; Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 15000 York Rd, Charlotte NC 28278; or Hospice at Charlotte, 1420 E 7th St, Charlotte NC 28204.