James "Jim" Lawrence Hess

James "Jim" Lawrence Hess, 73, of Fayetteville passed away Sunday, September 17, 2017 in Fayetteville. He was born June 26, 1944 in Springville, N.Y. to John and Loretta Kruse Hess. Lt. Col. Hess, a 1966 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, retired from the Air Force after 24 years of honorable service. He was a proud member of the "Evil 8" Squadron. After earning a M.S. Ed. he became a math teacher at Elkins High School. He spent the next 14 years instilling in his students "Col. Hess' Rules for Success". Jim was a lifetime member of MOAA. He was a proud U of A alumnus and an avid Razorbacks fan. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Christine Matelich Hess of the home; two daughters, Toni Hess and husband, Jeff English of Lake Charles, La. and Cindy Timmerman and husband, Rudy of Prairie Grove; four brothers, Robert Hess of Clearlake, Calif., Ron Hess and wife, Linda of East Aurora, N.Y., Larry Hess and wife, Peggy of West Valley, N.Y. and Jerry Hess and wife, Denise of Canton, N.Y.; two sisters, Jan Woodworth and husband, Woody of Detroit, Mich. and Kathy Hess of Springville, N.Y.; and five grandchildren, Audrey, James, Ellie, Lane and Brynn. A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, September 21, 2017 with a rosary following at 7 p.m. at Beard's Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Friday, September 22, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Tontitown with Father John Connell officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at 1 p.m. at the Fayetteville National Cemetery. Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.