James ?Jim? Howard Hess, 76, passed
away unexpectedly on October 6, 2022, at his home in Newton, Kansas.
He was born on November 17, 1945, in
New York, New York, the son of August ?Jimmy? and Joan (Decker)
Hess.
At the age of seventeen, Jim joined the
United States Army. He proudly served his country as a
Non-Commissioned Officer in the 101st Airborne for 3 years and in the
Special Forces Reserved Unit in Denver, Co. Following his honorable
discharge, he joined the Wichita Police Department for a short period
of time. He decided to change jobs and went to work for Trans World
Airlines (TWA) so he could travel. He eventually settled in Denver,
Colorado and began working for Jefferson County Sheriff?s Office.
In 1977 he joined the Denver Police Department where he worked
patrol, TAK bike (motorcycle) division then was promoted to
Detective. He was a hostage negotiator, appeared in Crime Stopper
commercials and on several episodes of Unsolved Mysteries, Perry
Mason & Father Dowling. Jim retired in 2003 so he could travel
and enjoy the things he wanted to do.
After Jim retired, he visited a friend
in Thailand for two weeks. Once he got back from his trip, he sold
his beloved cabin in the mountains, most of his belongings and moved
to Thailand for the next 9 years. When in Thailand, he met many law
enforcement retirees from all over the world while volunteering with
Pattaya Police Department, Thailand. He met the love of his life on
10/6/2004 while working out at the gym in Pattaya, Thailand. Jim and
Praew were united in marriage in 2012 in Newton, Kansas. The couple
had many adventures in Thailand and the United States.
Jim loved staying active and was a
familiar face at the YMCA. He was always excited to try new work out
routines and see his friends at the Y. He was a fierce protector of
his family and always told everyone to listen to their ?gut
instincts? because they were always right! If he couldn?t be
with his family in person, he always wanted pictures so he could
experience other?s moments and be a part of the fun.
Jim is survived by his wife, Praew
Hess, beloved Bernedoodle, Lucy & Ringneck Parakeet, Kirby;
children, Angela (Luke) Schmidt of Newton, Jason (Ghen) Hess Seale,
AL; Chris (Tammy) Drouhard Winfield; John (June) Szakara Hamilton,
MT; Holly Hess, Wichita; and sister, Leslie (Ken) Bibb; and many
grandchildren, family and friends.
A memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m.
on Wednesday, October 12, 2022, at Petersen Funeral Home, 215 N.
Main, Newton, Kansas.
Jim would want casual wear to the
service to include tactical pants, cargo shorts and jackets/vests
because according to him you can never have enough pockets!
In lieu of flowers, the family requests
any donations go to the Caring Hands Humane Society or the Newton
