James E. Hess
July 27, 1930 - November 3, 2015
Obituary
James Hess passed away peacefully Tuesday November 3rd 2015 in Buckley Washington. James was born July 27, 1930 in Enumclaw, Washington to James and Helen Hess. A hard working lifetime railroad worker, James married his wife Kaylene (Lusk) Hess June 7, 1952. James and Kaylene resided in Auburn Washington where they raised their family of 5 children. James worked his way up to becoming an Engineer which he was until retirement. During his time in the Railroad James also became the lobbyist for the locomotive engineers union in Washington State.
James lived life how life was intended to be lived. From his Children he was gifted several grandchildren and great grandchildren. He and Kaylene traveled the world spending time in Europe as well as Hawaii and several other destinations. Upon retirement, James and Kaylene sold their longtime home in Auburn, WA. They moved to Lacey WA and purchased an airstream travel trailer as well as a park model home in Apache Junction AZ. They traveled around the country in air stream caravans enjoying the retirement life that he had worked for so long and hard for.
James was an amazing person with an amazing personality. He will always be remembered for the kind, light hearted, selfless person that he was until the day he passed away.
James was preceeded in death by his parents, sisters Carol Anderson, and Claire Wanless, and brother Clarence “Bud” Hess. He was also preceeded by a son Keith Hess, and grand daughter Cari Laeuger.
James is lovingly survived by his wife Kaylene, son Richard Hess, daughters Jamie Laeuger, Kim Jones, and Jodie Curtis, his grand children Matthew Laeuger, Jeffrey Laeuger, Cassandra Laeuger, Joshua Jones, Ericka Gress, Chelsi Gress, Cameron Curtis and Amarie Ward. And James was very loved by his great grandchildren, Charleigh, Lucy, Presley, Andrew, Braeden, Brinkley and Lucas.
You will be missed so very much Dad! Thanks for being an amazing Dad, Grandpa & Great-Grandpa. I will love you forever……
Kim
You were the best dad that we could have asked for. I love all of our camping trips. You were always patient allowing us to bring friends along on these trips. I miss you very much. I am happy that you are now with the family members that you missed so much.
Hi Uncle Jim,
Yesterday I was stuck at the train tracks. I really didn’t mind at all. It’s funny, every time I see a train, I’ve always thought of you. (I can’t say I’ve ALWAYS been PATIENT about it, BUT I have a new perspective lately!)
I will miss you. A LOT. Your smile. Your laugh. You having to dig out the presents under the bottom of the pile under the Christmas tree that “Santa” left for Sunday and me so we would have SOMETHING to open while the grown ups did their gift exchange. (BTW– I think Uncle Bud stashed them way in the back on purpose just to get the “photo-op” ! Don’t tell him I told you!)
I bet you, Keith, Cari, Aunt Carol, Uncle Bud and Grandma had one heckuva group hug.
Don’t worry, Uncle Jim….I’m praying for Aunt Kaylene, Richard, Jamie, Kim and Jodie…and their families. I hope they will find peace and comfort in the treasured memories of you. Even when stuck at the train tracks.
I love you.
Your Grand Niece,
Natali Faye Wanless Asplund
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Matthew 5:4
I’m so sorry to hear of your passing, and that of Keith.
I lost track of him, and did not know, please forgive me. You were a good and patient man, generous with your children, you will be missed in their lives.