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FUNERAL HOME

McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory - Columbus

3874 Gentian Blvd.

Columbus, Georgia

Jake Hess Obituary

Jake Hess December 24, 1927 - January 4, 2004 OPELIKA, AL - Beloved gospel singer Jake Hess died early Sunday at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika. He was 76. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at Morningside Baptist Church in Columbus, according to McMullen Funeral Home. The Rev. Bill Shorey will officiate, assisted by Bill Gaither and Dr. Michael Guido. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. this evening at McMullen Funeral Home, 3874 Gentian Blvd., Columbus. Jake was born Dec. 24, 1927, in Mt. Pisgah, Ala., the youngest of 12 children born to the late Stovall and Lydia Hess of Haleyville, Ala. He has lived in Columbus since 1993. His wife, Joyce, who died in 2000, predeceased him. Survivors include his daughter, Becky, and husband, Brent Buck of Columbus; son, Chris, and wife, Cindy, of Columbus; son, Jake Jr., and wife Judy, of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; 10 grandchildren, Emily Trotter and husband Jim, Brent Buck, Lauren Buck, Ansley Buck, Megan Hess, Natalie Hess, Casey Hess, Jake Hess III, Hannah Hess and Emma Hess; one great-grandchild, James Purdy (Bo) Trotter IV; and a sister, OmaDee of Haleyville. These were his family by blood, but Jake also leaves behind Bill and Gloria Gaither and all of his "Homecoming" friends. For the past 10 years, they have been his musical family, caring for each other and singing gospel music on stages around the world. At the age of 16, Jake left home in Haleyville to join The John Daniel Quartet. Since then, he has been on the road making music for more than 60 years. In 1948, he became lead singer of The Statesmen Quartet. Joining with Hovie Lister, he began a magical 15 years in which the legendary group recorded for RCA Victor, sang on network television, created one of the earliest syndicated TV shows and blessed audiences all over the country. In 1963, Jake founded The Imperials, hand-picking the members from other quartets. They too were a groundbreaking group that set new standards in gospel music. Through the years, Jake's powerful voice and unique styling influenced generations of singers, including a young Elvis Presley, who often hung around concerts where The Statesmen were performing. Jake's influence on the rock 'n' roll superstar is well documented and Elvis' affection for him continued over the years. Through it all, Jake told Elvis that he only wanted to be his friend. In 1977, Jake sang at Elvis' funeral, just as he had at services for Hank Williams in 1953. In later years, Jake joined The Masters V, composed of Hovie Lister, Rosie Rozell, J.D. Sumner and James Blackwood. Jake was the last surviving member of that quartet which won a Grammy Award in 1982. In 1993, believing his career was over and with his health declining, Jake moved to Columbus, where he intended to play golf, even if he didn't keep score, and to enjoy being with his family. He never dreamed there would be more songs to sing. That changed with the success of Bill Gaither's Homecoming videos. They brought Jake's message to an entirely new generation of fans. This experience blessed Jake and those around him for he was able to become a mentor to young singers who respected him for his unyielding spirit and his unique musical gifts. Jake continued to record, as an individual artist and with The Old Friends Quartet. Over the years, he received numerous honors. He was a member of the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Alabama Music Hall of Fame, which also presented him the American Music Award. He was a founding member of the National Quartet Convention and received a Life Achievement Award from SESAC. He won four Grammy Awards: for "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere" in 1968, for "Ain't That Beautiful Singing" in 1969, for "Everything Is Beautiful" in 1970, and for "The Masters V" in 1982. In 2002, he won the Southern Gospel Music Association Award for Best Video with The Old Friends Quartet. Over the years, Jake's family has lovingly shared their father and grandfather with his friends and fans. They did so because they knew that all Jake ever wanted to be was a gospel singer. They appreciate the prayers his wonderful friends have offered during his illness and ask that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Guido Evangelistic Association in Metter, Ga. Those who wish may sign the online guest registry atwww.mcmullenfuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Columbus Ledger-Enquirer from Jan. 5 to Jan. 6, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Jake Hess

202 Entries

Bill Pentangelo

March 5, 2025

I found Mr. Hess one day just channel surfing and listening to a Gaither Homecoming show . I became a fan and loved his talent, smile and humor. RIP..

Jay Stetler

January 26, 2021

He was an inspiration to many. I love what Bill Gaither said about him. Gaither stated; many times you meet people in gospel music, and get to know them well. They will, sometimes, disappoint your expectations. But, Jake Hess is the real deal. Amen Bill.

Gary Lyons

May 10, 2020

To this day I still listen to Jake's wonderful music. Often singing his words. See you one day in Heaven.

Bishop Russell Allen Wright, Sr.

July 18, 2012

I Love to hear Jake Hess Sing. When He died in 2004 I was unable to attend his Funeral. He seemed to be such an sincere and Humble Man. I long to meet him in Heaven Some Sweet day and hear Jake's anointed voice singing lead in the Heavenly Choir.

Eddie & Barbie Perkins

February 4, 2004

To the Hess family we send our love. This has been a hard four weeks for us but we know it has been so much harder for you all. We love you and will keep you in our daily prayer. We know Jake is singing in heaven now to his Savior Jesus Christ. And we will join him. We love you.

MARTHA DINGLER

January 28, 2004

A LITTLE TIME HAS PASSED,JUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW-YOU'RE STILL IN OUR PRAYERS AND HEART.JUST THINK WHAT A TIME JAKE IS HAVING.WOW!!!!

HOLD ON THE BEST IS YET TO COME.

Margaret and Bart Selman

January 28, 2004

You were a blessing to the world. You were and are a blessing to God.

Barbarq Bush

January 19, 2004

Being from Haleyville, Alabama originally, I feel like I have lost a dear friend. Jake used to work with my dad in Haleyville. So sorry to hear of his passing. Me and my family will always remember him. My sympathy to all of the family. Sincerely, Barbara Cowart Bush.

Don Wilson

January 19, 2004

I was saddened to hear of Jake's death. He was a friend of the Wilson family going back to his days singing with the Statesmen.We will hear him sing again in heaven one day.

Edi & Doug Edwards

January 18, 2004

Our deepest sympathy.

SHERILYN LANEY

January 16, 2004

RONNIE AND SHERILYN LANEY

MIKE AND MARTHA DINGLER

January 16, 2004

JUST WANTED THE FAMILY TO KNOW WE ARE STILL THINKING ABOUT THEM.GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU!!!

Edwin Martinez

January 14, 2004

To the Hess Family, God had only need of one of his greatest treasures here on earth, Bro. Jake Hess, He was indeed unique, but take comfort, you can sure see him again, but this time we will all sing together in that beautiful isle of somewhere, take comfort from the Martinez Family in HOnduras we are praying for you.

The Peavy Family

January 14, 2004

We are so sorry for your loss.

Edwin Martinez

January 13, 2004

Man Man Man, I love the Lord, but i just want to ask him one question today, What is he doing in Heaven, that takes need of Vestal Goodman and her old Boyfriend Jake hess, in less than 10 days? I just don't understand what is going on in Heaven, but I know it must be super special, for those two (Characters) to personally be drafted in heaven in lest than ten days, Could it be the rehersal for heaven's Choir? we Miss you, but God needed you.

Kim Nelson

January 13, 2004

I just wanted to add my condolences to the Hess family. Thank you so much for sharing your father and grandfather with all of us fans.

Ellen Freville

January 13, 2004

To Jake Hess' Family:

Well, first Vestal and now Jake. My heart goes out to you. I think of the music that will be sang in heaven by him.

You will be missed. I think of all the jokes made on your "wig" and I think in heaven it will all be restored.

You were about your father's business and your music made the journey with you . Thank you for sharing that part of yourself with us.

Cindy Ginn

January 12, 2004

Cindy,

Jake was such an inspiration to my family. My Father and Mother made it a point to hear Jake sing every chance they got. He leaves a great legacy to his family. You all will be in my prayers...

Tommy Fountain, Sr.

January 12, 2004

To the Hess Family,

My prayers will be with you during these difficult days. Jake Hess lead you and taught you how to stand tall in timess like these. He was such an inspiration to all.

Remember, God is our refuge and strength in time of trouble. He is now enjoying the Heaven he sang about for so many years.

Tommy Fountain, Sr.

Associational Missionary

Mulbery Baptist Association

Hoschton, Ga

Steve McClure

January 11, 2004

My deepest condolences to the Hess family on your loss. Mr. Hess was truly a great example of a christian in action here on earth. Undoutedly, you will be bombarded with people's memories of Jake. Forgive me for sharing my favorite. My mother's first cousin owned a piano company in Marietta, Georgia and always provided a piano for the All Night Singing at the Atlanta Auditorium. Jake's daughter remembers the occasion where the piano was moved to the center of the auditorium and all four of the Statemen were singing on top of the piano. That piano never returned to the store. My cousin called various churches until he found one that was in need of a piano. The piano was delivered to that church on Sunday after the singing on Saturday.

Thank you for sharing your husband, father and grandfather with the rest of us. We have been blessed by having known him.

May God's strength renew you at this time with the surety that you will see him once again in Heaven. God bless you all.

Mary Carter

January 11, 2004

How the heavenly Father must be rejoicing to have Mr Hess at home with him. What a great homecoming and what a reward that must have awaited him. The hymn says "Oh I want to see him look upon his face, there to sing forever of his saving grace, on the streets of glory let me lift my voice, cares all past home at last heaven to rejoice" May God bless the Hess family. Be comforted in the legacy your love one left and the heritage that is yours.

Norma Harakas

January 11, 2004

Dear Becky,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of sorrow. May God bless and comfort you all.

Sincerely,

Norma Harakas

Eddie & Barbie Perkins

January 11, 2004

Jake Hess. What a blessing to all of us! We will continue to pray for the family. We were blessed to be at the lay out early and to stay late. We were blessed to have a front row seat at the funeral. We were blessed to go to the semitary. We were blessed to meet family and friends. As Jake sang, "We are so blessed" and we are. Only eternity will reveal the lives Jake Hess has touched. Jake, you have run a good race, you have fought a good fight. You have inspired us to do the same. God be with your family.

Krissy Smith

January 11, 2004

Chris,Cindy,meg,natalie,and casey

My prayers and thoughts are with you through this tough time.Mr jake always gave me a hug and kiss on the cheek when he saw me. I was always so proud that he remebered me .

Harold McWhorter

January 10, 2004

Jake was one of my very first heroes. Thank you.

SUE IMPSON

January 10, 2004

I WILL MISS JAKE VERY MUCH. GOD BE WITH YOUALL. SUE

Pastor Jim & Wendy Luttrell

January 9, 2004

As a pre-teen I used to go to the V.F.W. Auditorium in Greeneville, TN to hear the Statesmen, Blackwood Brothers, etc. I remember hearing Jake sing and being in awe of his marvelous tenor voice!

Jake has given much to the Gospel Music world and all of us who love Gospel Music are greatly appreciative!

Blessings and Love to all!

Pastor Jim & Wendy Luttrell

Community Chapel Church of God

Lanett, AL

Billy Cannon

January 9, 2004

Dear Hess family

Truly we regret your loss but remember what God has said. He will not put more on us than we can bear. Jake's gospel music will be remembered thur out eternity.

Linda Barnhill

January 9, 2004

What a joy to hear Jake sing down through the years. His voice and his life were beautiful examples of what God can do. Thanks for sharing him with us. No doubt Heaven's choir is sounding better than ever!

Linda and Gerald Barnhill

Billy & Jerrie Doster Sr

January 9, 2004

We were so very sorry to hear of Mr Hess passing. Our prayers and heart go out to the Hess family.

Fran & Patty Mello

January 9, 2004

Dear Hess Family, Thanks for sharing so much of his life with us. He was a blessing to us with his smiles and his singing. He will be greatly missed but has gone on to his final reward and what a wonderful thing to know we will see him again. God Bless all of you, our prayers are with you during this time.

janet bates

January 8, 2004

I grew up going to the all night singings in Birmingham, Al. I have loved Jake's singing for 50 years. I used to go to the wings when the

Statesmen were performing. Jake made an impression on me as a youngster. I will miss him very much. God bless the Hess family

Tom and Fran Stewart

January 8, 2004

We first saw Jake with the Statesmen in 1960, in Long Beach California! I had seen Jake in Macon, Ga., in 1955 with The Statesmen! The finest 'Lead' singer I have ever heard! So very sorry for the loss, condolences to the family. Tom and Fran Stewart.

Martha Surratt

January 8, 2004

My heart is breaking-Jake was my friend for 55 years. I grew up backstage at all night singings and there was no one who could measure up to Jake. God bless each of you.

mark bullock

January 8, 2004

Dear Hess Family I enjoyed your dad's music and singing with the gaithers so much an I even got a chance to meet and talk to both of your parents at failyfest before your mom died.My prayers are with you .

Peggy, Byron and Nathan Fauscett

January 8, 2004

My Mother took me to hear Jake Hess from the time I was born 48 years ago. I have been a fan all my life. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.

Mike Owsley

January 8, 2004

Thank you Jake for your Music. I will miss you

Bernice Mccall

January 8, 2004

Dear Hess Family,

We loved to hear Mr. Hess sing with Gaither and Friends. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. May God bless and comfort your family.

Sincerely,

Laura McCall Koonce

Johnnie & Bernice McCall & Family

Rose M. Sims

January 8, 2004

Dear Hess Family:

Your loss is Heaven's gain. Jake has fought the good fight and has received that crown! My husband and I received a blessing each time we saw or heard him. We have been to many of the Gaither Concerts and he was one of our favorits. I loved watching him in the clips that the Gaither videos had of Jake in the Statesman Quartet.

May God comfort you during this time of sorrow and may the memories you have sustain you until you meet again.

Rose & Lewis Sims

Rickey and Debby Cannon

January 8, 2004

Gospel music has truly lost a legend. Mr. Hess's voice and Spirit has been silenced here on earth. He truly touched the lives and hearts of millions through his music and witness. He will be sorely missed.

Our prayers go out to the family. Mr. Hess blessed millions with his music and witness, may you be blessed and strengthened with the Love of our Savior.

Sincerely,

Karen Lawhon

January 8, 2004

I loved to hear Jake sing, he will be missed. I am looking forward to the gospel choir in heaven.

Carolyn Brand

January 8, 2004

Our heartfelt sympathy to the Hess Family. We will miss Jake's beautiful music and humble, sweet spirit. "...to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." Jake is in the best of company! Lovingly, J.W. & Carolyn Brand

Keith & Jan Smith

January 7, 2004

Dear Hess Family,

How we will miss Jake. He was one of a kind and so loved by so many. He was a blessing to everyone who heard him sing or saw that wonderful smile.

God bless you and give you His sweet comfort. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sincerely,

Jeff Moran

January 7, 2004

Jake recorded a song I wrote called "I Just Love Old People" on his ALL OF ME project. I was able to meet him at the NQC that year and have a picture made. I am so glad we got to meet. He was a true gentleman and a Gospel legend. I look forward to shaking his hand and hearing that voice again one day! My prayers and thoughts are with you - Becky, Jake Jr and Chris.

Thomas Sharpe

January 7, 2004

I DIDN'T KNOW HIM BUT I WAS A FAN OF HIS MUSIC AND SINGING. I WISH I HAD KNOWN HIM.

Brenna & Hannah Robinson

January 7, 2004

We loved to hear Jake sing. He was a blessing to us.

Michael B Monroe

January 7, 2004

He has joined my Grandfather J. E. Monroe in God's lovely Chorus.

Brenda Shaver

January 7, 2004

One of the best added to God's Chorus! He will be missed..

Anita & James Sloan

January 7, 2004

You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Gospel Music has lost many great singers lately, Jake was one of the best.

Mike Campbell

January 7, 2004

I have followed Jake for the last 40 yrs. and there will never be another like him. My deepest sympathy to the Hess family

Brenda Guthrie

January 7, 2004

My prayers go out to the family,he will be missed.

Julie Scalise

January 7, 2004

To the Hess family:

I wish to send my deepest sympathy and most sincere prayers that you will truly feel the comfort of the Lord during your time of grief. Jake leaves a legacy of people whose lives have been brighter because they knew of him.

~Julie

Leigh Ann Rush (Robinson)

January 7, 2004

Becky, Chris and Little Jake,

Our prayers are with you during this difficult time. We have many precious memories of your entire family living across the street from you on Wiliamsburg Rd. Those were special times. Your dad has touched many lives and been such an inspiration to so many. We love you and your families and are praying for you. Leigh Ann Robinson Rush and family

Don and Evelyn Howard

January 7, 2004

We send our love and sympathy to the family of Jake Hess. He was the gospel giant, full of humility and love that was shown to everyone. He has now reached the home he has been singing about for so long. We will truly miss him.

Don and Evelyn Howard

Wynnbrook Baptist Church

Columbus, GA

Mike & Debbie Heath

January 7, 2004

Well done, good and faithful servant! You will live forever in our hearts.

Bob & Carolyn Robinson

January 7, 2004

The Bob Robinson family, Bob, Carolyn, Rick, Leigh Ann and Lynne were mightily blessed in 1968 when we became neighbors of Jake & Joyce Hess on Williamsburg Rd, Brentwood, TN. We joined with his family in love and prayer when he suffered his first heart attack. When visited in the hospital or at home, Jake wore his baseball cap.

Jake was an inspiration through his music, but most important to the Robinsons, he invited us to become charter members of a small group estatlishing the Brentwood Baptist Church.

He was the epitome of Christ's love and those years as his neighbor will always be special in our memory.

Our special love and sympathy go out to Becky, Chris and "little" Jake and their wonderful families.

We remained in touch over all these years and Rick was faithful to attend any gospel singing event anywhere in our area. He loved his backstage visits, complimentary photos, tapes and cds and they are regularily played in our homes.

God now gets the opportunity of hearing Jake's praise in the Heavenly Choir.

Amen and Amen,

Bob, Carolyn, Rick, Leigh Ann and Lynne Robinson

Karen Bowden

January 7, 2004

My mother passed earlier this year, and Jake Hess was her favorite singer of all time. She had many of his tapes and played them over and over. We saw Jake at Publix one Saturday, and my husband asked him to come over and say hello to my mother. This thrilled her to meet him and she never forgot it. He seemed to enjoy life and talked to her so proudly about his children and grandchildren. I just know that she is now enjoying him singing in heaven right now.

Harry Ikner

January 7, 2004

Our deepest sympathy to the family. We loved Jake and all of you. God Bless and keep you. Love Harry and Sue Ikner

adrian stewart

January 7, 2004

MAY THE BLESSINGS OF THE LORD BE WITH THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF JAKE,HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY ALL, BUT NOW HE IS WITH THE ONES HE LOVE MOST ,JESUS AND JOYCE,AND MAY HE FOREVER BE HAPPY AND FREE OF PAIN,AND LOOK FORWARD TO THE GREAT RE-UNION OF ALL HIS LOVED ONES IN THE FURTURE. WITH THE BLESSING OF THE LORD HE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED BY US LEFT BEHIND/WE LOVE YOU/SAY HELLO TO JOYCE FOR ME/ADRIAN

Jim Brown

January 7, 2004

To the Hess Family I want to extend my deepest sympathy in the loss of Mr. Jake.

I grew up listening to Jake Hess. My Mom, before she went to be with the Lord three years ago, always looked forward to watching the Bill Gaither Homecoming programs and listen to Jake Hess.

I had the privilege and honor to see Mr. Hess perform the National Anthem live before the basketball games at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tn.

Mr. Jake, like my Mom, is in a far better place.

May God bless your family.

Jim Brown

Memphis, TN

Doreen Barnes

January 7, 2004

My thoughts and Prayers are with the Hess family. And also to the Homecoming friends. Jake will surely be missed. *We will meet you in the morning ...*

Rose and Danny Hendricks

January 7, 2004

The Gospel Music World has lost another great singer. Jake will be greatly missed by all of us. Our deepest sympathy to each member of his family.

Brian Donohue

January 6, 2004

To The Hess Family

Hi My name Is Brian Donohue Jim Arnesons Friend I Just want To say I'm sorry to hear

about Jake I first saw Jake

When he was with the Masters 5

And I will never forget his smile I can tell that he had the Love of Jesus in his Eyes

The song I won't forget him singing Prayer is the key to Heaven And Death anit Know big Deal But now that he is with jesus singing in a southern gospel quartet I know that he is having a Good time

in Heaven Seeing all the singers that he sang with too

So I Just want say to the Hess Family My Prayers and My Thoughts go out to you at this

time

Take Care

Brian Donohue

Bonnie Brewster

January 6, 2004

To all the Hess family and especially Jake Jr.: You shared your dad and granddad with the world. Thank you from the depth of my heart. To our Lord, thank you for giving us Jake - his song, his smile and his spirit. How my life has been enriched! Jake Jr., if you are not at the Gaither concerts any more, you will surely be missed, also.

Joseph W., Vicky, and Thomas George

January 6, 2004

OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. MAY GOD COMFORT YOU THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIME.

Elizabeth Diaz

January 6, 2004

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the entire family, and our prayers that God will strengthen you in this time of sorrow. Remember he has gone on to a better place. God bless you all.

Chasity Rohde

January 6, 2004

Mr. Jake I never had the pleasure of knowing you but listening to your songs over and over I know I was blessed with your presence.You and Vestal keep the angels singing in heaven cause we all knew you were angels here. My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends in this time of deep sorrow. May God bless you and keep you. In His Care, Chasity

Woody & Dawn Ferguson

January 6, 2004

We are very sad, but im sure Jake and Vestal and Howard Goodman and all that have gone on before are singing those heavenly songs only the saints that have gone on know, And I am sure he would want us rejoicing that he is with His lovely wife and Jesus and all the angels.

Keith Wood

January 6, 2004

To the family of Jake Hess;

Please accept my deep sympathy on the loss of you father. I am keeping you all in my prayers.

James and Claudia Stewart and The Seeker's Quartet

January 6, 2004

A kind and gentle man who lived what he sang. We had the honor and privilege of sharing the same stage with Mr. Hess. Watching and listening to a legend will alway's be one of our fondest memories. After all "Death Ain'it No Big Deal" Heavens gain is surley our loss.

tim clark

January 6, 2004

as a former singer in a gospel group. jake hess was my hero. as elvis said, he was the best. met jake one time. rather meet him than elvis.. my heart feels like i am one of his family.

Del & Judy Myers

January 6, 2004

The thing we appreciated about Jake was his love for his God and his family. He and Mrs. Hess always impressed us in the fact that even though Jake was who he was in his profession, they were always just mama & daddy to their family and showed such love. If every family showed the love to their children Jake and Mrs. Hess showed, what a wonderful world this would be. Our prayers and thoughts go to all the members of their family. May God give you the strength and peace needed at such a difficult time. We love you all.

Del & Judy

Adrian Stewart

January 6, 2004

with deepest sympathy to the Hess Family.

Linda Venema

January 6, 2004

Jake was a true inspiration at all the Gaither Homecoming Concerts. He will truly be missed. I am upholding the entire Hess family in my prayers.

Bud and Gaynelle Blankenship

January 6, 2004

Our loss is Heavens gain. With deepest symathy.

SHIRLEY JONES

January 6, 2004

WE WILL MISS JAKE'S SMILING FACE ON THE HOMECOMING VIDEOS. WE ALL KNOW HE HAS A BIG SMILE ON HIS FACE NOW THAT HE, VESTEL AND JOYCE ARE SINGING FOR THE LORD JUST AS HE ALWAYS HAS.I WILL ENJOY ALL HIS MUSIC, HIS BOOK AND REMEMBER THE TIMES I HAVE MET AND TALKED TO HIM.

GOD BLESS THE FAMILY AND KNOW IN YOUR HEART HE IS TRULY "HOME". WE LOVE YOU ALL.

BILL AND SHIRLEY JONES

Donald Lee Wade

January 6, 2004

Was A good christain man and insprired my family and me for many years.Will be missed by everyone.May God Blees his family and friends.

Perry & Hazel Odom

January 6, 2004

To the Hess family,

Jake was so encouraging to me & my husband who had a stroke 4 years ago. He could always be counted on to make us laugh. I know that Jake, Vestal & Howard Goodman are making beautiful music in Glory tonight.

Brenda McLeod

January 6, 2004

We are praying for your families in your time of loss. We knew Bro. Jake in a casual manner and loved him andthe music he shaared with the world. He is greatly missed and loved

r.lee wadsworth

January 6, 2004

What a great singer, i!ve listened to him over 50 years. Since He, Denver Doy, Jim And Hovie sang out of Atlanta. What a great loss to us who remain but what a great gain to that chorus in heaven. You just know J. D.,Glenn,James,Rex and all those who preceded him are rejoicing at his arrival.

Tim & Nancee Mumaw

January 6, 2004

Our deepest sympathy

Phillip Prince

January 6, 2004

I will surely miss the wonderful voice of Jake Hess! I grew up listening to him and hearing my parents speak of him and watching him on T.V. The Gospel music industry has surely lost one of the all time greats and, no doubt, he will surely be missed. There may be many who will imitate Jake, but there will never be another Jake Hess.

Ray & Katie Franklin

January 6, 2004

You are in our thoughts and prayers, and have our deepest sympathy.

Charles & Lina MILLS

January 6, 2004

What a wonderful christian and friend. It was a priviledge to have known Jake. "Chris", remember coming to Mt. Hebron Baptist Church in Elmore, AL several years ago with your Dad? I had the awsome priviledge of singing a trio with you and Jake that night. ("He Touched Me").I'll always treasure that memory. We loved him and will miss him so very much.

Susan Tusing

January 6, 2004

To the family of Jake, I know you are missing him, but he is now in Heaven singing in that wonderful choir that God has assembled. We will miss him also.

Theresa Willis

January 6, 2004

My heartfelt sympathy to all. I will never know or feel the depth of your loss, but know my prayers are being offered for all of you to have comfort and peace. Thank you for sharing Jake with us.

Paul Farley

January 6, 2004

Even though I never got to meet Jake Hess, I feel like I know him personally. A dynamic performer, and a fine Christian man, he will never be forgotten, and will live on as long as there are VCR's and DVD players. Thanks for everything Mr. Hess.

Leta Jones

January 6, 2004

There will never be another voice like Jake's. He will be missed by all who knew him and by so many who never met him but loved him still. Love and prayers to all the Hess family.

Edith Frensley

January 6, 2004

It was a great honor to meet Jake Hess in person. He always had time to say hello and talk a minute. I can't think of a time that I saw him when he wasn't smiling or crying tears of joy. We will miss him greatly but he is having the greatest Homecoming ever! Love you Jake!

Sharon Neill

January 6, 2004

I will always remember the way I felt when Mr. Hess would sing a song. It would make you want to shout.

Now he is member of the greatest choir of them all and maybe someday soon I will be able to sing with him in heaven.

Patricia Ingram

January 6, 2004

Our sincere condolences to the Hess family. Mr. Hess will be missed but he leaves us such wonderful memories and a beautiful family. God bless you.

From - The Ingram Family

Mary Anne / Bob Bailey

January 6, 2004

The warmest thoughts of sympathy go out to you today. Thoughts that lie within the heart, too deep for words to say, and may it make the loss you feel less difficult to bear, knowing you have many friends who sympathize and care.

Mary Anne - Bob Bailey Seale Road Baptist Church

Linda Smith

January 6, 2004

Jake Hess was one of the most gracious men we ever had the pleasure of meeting. We feel a great loss with his passing. Our prayer is that he now has the strong body and voice he deserves. We believe heaven's choir just became louder and clearer in song. Sincerely, Linda and Garnett Smith

David Nix

January 6, 2004

With deepest sympathy to the entire family and special love and prayers to Jake Jr and Judy.