George Jess

George William Jess, 87, of Grand View, passed away at his home on Thursday, July 31, 2014.

All his family and friends are invited to join in a celebration of his life at the Oreana Community Hall on Aug. 23 at 1 p.m. Cremation was under the direction of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel in Mountain Home.

George was born on Dec. 23, 1926, in Idaho City. The oldest son of George Marvin and Zora Cable Jess, he was delivered by his grandma, Mary Coons. They moved back to the family ranch in Oreana that spring. George attended school in Oreana and Grand View and graduated from Grand View High School in 1946.

In 1953, he met Ellen Knigge at the Midway Dance Hall in Hagerman. They were married on July 3, 1955, in Shoshone.

Over the years, George worked for many local farms and ranches in Owyhee County.

He enjoyed many hobbies and the great outdoors.

George enjoyed creating treasures from trash. He restored and rebuilt many vehicles but his passion was old Willy's Jeeps.

Because of his great love for his family, he had many friends and great experiences. He loved being a father, grandpa and great-grandpa. He enjoyed many family camping and fishing trips and spending time with family and friends telling stories and visiting.

George is survived by his wife of 59 years, Ellen Jess, his four children, Tony, Tim, Lori and Katie and their spouses, his 14 grandchildren and their spouses, 24 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, Elaine Kenworthy, Mary Baker, Elzina Jess and Marvin Jess, and his in-laws, Edith and Roy Knigge.