John F. Hess

John F. "Jim" Hess, 94, of Dunedin, FL, formerly of Alton Bay, NH, and Ashburnham, MA, died peacefully in Dunedin on Sunday, June 26, 2022, with family at his side. John grew up in Havertown, PA, the son of the late Frederick G. and Gertrude E. Hess. He was a star athlete at Haverford High School, attended The Episcopal Academy, and graduated from what was then Bucknell College. His days at Bucknell's Phi Gamma Delta fraternity were some of those he remembered most fondly. After completing the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School, he was stationed in California to be posted overseas when the Korean Conflict ended. Back in civilian life, John then obtained an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

John married Patricia A. Witt in 1957 and they lived in Media, PA where their four children were born. The family made the first of two moves to New England, to Georgetown, MA, in 1964, as John pursued his career as a recruiter. Subsequent moves brought the family back to Pennsylvania then to Ashburnham, MA, where John lived from 1972-2000. Following the sudden death of his wife in 1998, John met and married Linda P. Howard, moving to Wolfeboro, NH and then Alton Bay, NH, where they lived until 2018. John spent his last few years in the warm sunshine of Dunedin, FL, enjoying reading, watching football, and smoking a good pipe on his porch.

John was a gifted athlete in multiple sports and was happiest being active. He was always trying to cajole others into a game of tennis or a hike, and enjoyed canoeing, sailing, gardening, and working on the never-ending painting of the family's antique house. From his youth to the very late years of his life, John relished cutting grass. He loved reading, as well as participating in and attending classical music concerts. Following the model of his parents, he was a regular church attendee and placed importance on Christian values throughout his life.

John leaves his wife, Linda Hess of Wolfeboro, NH, children Barbara (Bob) Schmitz of Acton, MA, Robin Bailey of Charlotte, NC, Tim (Wendy) Hess of Ashburnham, MA, and Richard Hess of Santa Rosa, CA. He also leaves grandchildren Tim (Sarah) Schmitz, Riley Hess, and Dawson Hess, as well as one great-grandson, Henry Schmitz, and a great-granddaughter expected in August. In addition, he leaves a large group of extended family. He was predeceased by his wife, Patricia Hess, son, John Hess, Jr., son-in-law, Patrick Carr, and his siblings, Helen (Tom) Ralston, Eleanor "Pete" Hess, and Russell Hess.

He was much-loved and will be missed by all. A celebration of John's long life will be private.