GREENWOOD, IN.
James (James) F. Hess, 86, of Greenwood, IN and former longtime resident of Lafayette, IN passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, at Franciscan Hospice House in Indianapolis, IN, surrounded by family.
He was born February 18, 1936, in DuQuoin, IL to Henry and Elizabeth (Michelson) Hess. He married Barbara Louise (Charron) Hess on May 12th in 1962, she survives. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary earlier this year.
James was a 1954 graduate of Du Quoin Township High School. He was a United States Army Veteran serving in Korean for 6 years.
James grew up and graduated high school in DuQuoin, IL, where he met Barbara. In 1970, they moved to Lafayette, IN and proceeded to live there for 50 years. James had a long career as a life insurance agent with Commonwealth Life Insurance. Upon retirement from the insurance business, he worked at Home Hospital as a pharmacy courier. He enjoyed traveling with his wife and had the opportunity to partake in many cruises during both careers. In the earlier years, he was an avid bowler and enjoyed playing cards with his wife and friends. He loved NASCAR and was most notably a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan, getting to attend the famous 2011 World Series game #5 with his son Jason. He was a member of the American Legion and an active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church for all 50 years, assisting with their food pantry and church Treasurer. He was also an active member of the Boy Scouts of America serving as an Assistant Scoutmaster for multiple years, obtaining his first and second degrees of Order of the Arrow, and also earning his Wood Badge.
In 2020, James (along with Barbara) made the tough decision to move to Greenwood, IN with the rest of their family. James thoroughly missed being near his friends and great neighbors, but with increased mobility issues, knew it was the right decision. Once in Greenwood, he and Barb quickly found their new church home at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Franklin, IN. James thoroughly enjoyed being able to see his grandsons frequently and looked forward to family Sunday dinners.
Survivors include his wife Barbara Louise (Charron) Hess of Greenwood, IN, his son Jason Hess and daughter-in-law Misha Hess of Greenwood, IN, and his two grandsons Kyle Hess and Jacob Hess both of Greenwood, IN.
He was preceded in death by his parents and countless uncles, aunts, and cousins.
Viewing and visitation will be held at Swartz Family Mortuary on Friday, September 2nd from 5PM until 8PM at 300 South Morton Street in Franklin, IN. Father Whitney Smith will conduct a service on Saturday, September 3rd at 10:30AM at St. Thomas Episcopal Church at 600 Paul Hand Boulevard in Franklin, IN. Burial with military honors being conducted by the United States Army Honor Guard and Greenwood &Whiteland Honor Guard will follow the service at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, IN.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in his memory to St. Thomas Clinic, 600 Paul Hand Boulevard, Franklin, IN 46131 (www.saintthomasclinic.org) or to the Interchurch Food Pantry of Johnson County, 211 Commerce Drive Franklin, IN 46131 (www.jcpantry.org).
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. For any further information, please call (317) 738-0202.
