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Thomas Jess
1939 - 2025
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Thomas Jess Obituary
October 31, 1939 - September 5, 2025
Thomas Stanley Jess passed away on Friday, September 5, 2025.
He was born on October 31, 1939, in Spokane, WA, to James W. Jess and Florence "Dolly" Jess. Tom attended Coulee-Hartline Schools and played basketball for Coulee City High School, where he graduated in 1957.
After high school, Tom attended Eastern Washington University for a year before returning home to help his father at Jim's Chevrolet. On June 28, 1958, he married Phyllis McLean, and together they raised two sons, James and Wade.
In 1963, Tom moved to Waterville, where he started and operated the second Jim Jess Implement Store. He later closed the Waterville Store in 1987 and was a silent partner till 1990. Tom then focused on the orchard on Bakers Flat and would later move to East Wenatchee where he farmed the best alfalfa hay in town.
Tom was an avid team roper, winning numerous saddles and buckles, and later retired his beloved rope horses to his grandchildren. He was active in many organizations, serving as Past President of both the Waterville Chamber of Commerce and the Washington Rodeo Association. He was also a charter member and founder of Mid-State Bank in Waterville and a member of USTRC, ACTRA, and the Appleatchee Riding Club. In addition to roping, he enjoyed fishing and farming alfalfa.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Marshall; his brother, Robert Jess; and his brother-in-law, Merle Marshall.
Tom is survived by his wife, Phyllis; his sons, James L. Jess (Shirley) and Wade T. Jess (Stacey); his grandsons, Ty Jess (Jaime), Brandon Jess (Cassie), Garrett Jess (Valerie), and Cody Jess (Cassidy); and great-grandchildren, Coy and Blayce Wallace, Cooper Jess, Boston Jess, Savi Jess, Stella Jess, and Stetson Jess. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Nancy Jess; nieces, Sherry Jess, Cindy Lemke, and Judy Marshall; and nephew, Jerry Marshall.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Sage Hills Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Diamond J Rodeo Camp.
Thoughts and memories may be shared at jonesjonesbetts.com. Arrangements are in the care of Jones & Jones ~ Betts Funeral Home, Wenatchee.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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