James Bruce Hess

James Bruce Hess, 87, of Naples, FL passed away September 3, 2021 following a brief illness. Jim was born in Utica, OH to Cleo and Mabel Hess, who preceded him in death. Jim grew up in Mt. Vernon and Centerburg, OH and graduated from Centerburg High School. He was a proud Veteran of the U.S. Navy, Korean Conflict, where he was honorably discharged after serving four years in the Mediterranean on the USS Grand Canyon and USS Bordelon as an Operations Specialist in the Operations Intelligence Division. He is an alumna of Franklin University and The Ohio State University. After earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Jim joined Kohr & Kohr Real Estate where he became a partner/principal in 1962 for the Commercial Management Division. Jim remained a Partner, which later became Kohr Royer Griffith, Inc., until his retirement in 2001. He was devoted to his wife Eulalie (Lee) Hurt Hess, who predeceased him after 39 years of marriage. In Lee’s last year, Jim was a devoted caretaker to her while she fought a brain tumor. They had enjoyed traveling extensively to all parts of the world. He was dedicated to helping Lee with behind the scenes work on projects that impacted the Central Ohio community (e.g., Nationwide Children’s Hospital, The Arthritis Foundation, Franklin University and others). Jim was active in many professional organizations such as the Columbus Board of Realtors, the Certified Property Managers of the Institute of Real Estate Management for which he served as President in 1972, and most recently awarded the honorary CPM Emeritus status, and the OSU Alumni Association. Jim was a 50-plus year member of the Mt. Zion Masonic Lodge and the Scottish Rite thirty-second degree, Aladdin Temple Shrine, the OSU Faculty Club and the Hillsdale College President’s Club. He was always a generous and honorable gentleman with a keen sense of humor. Among his many virtues were his modesty and humility, loyalty, a loving and gentle spirit, and a strong faith. One of his favorite adventures was his annual Hess family fishing trips to Missisauga, Ontario where he vied for the largest small mouth bass. He was a member of the Liberty Presbyterian Church in Delaware County and an associate member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, FL where he had enjoyed volunteering at the Thrift Shop. He was also a 40-year member of the Centerburg Methodist Church. His faith was also strengthened by his participation in the Fourth Day Movements, the Cursillo in 2007 and the Great Banquet. After his marriage in 2000 to long-time friend, Sandra Bartley Hess, who survives him, he took more leisure time to enjoy with her those interests of his younger years like fishing, walking, reading, cards, crossword puzzles, OSU Football, morel mushroom hunting and continuing his passion of taking at least two major international trips a year toward his goal of visiting 100 countries in his lifetime. Jim is survived by his brother, Dale (Sara), loving stepchildren, Michael (Mary Beth) Bartley, Jennifer (Paul) Baker and Stephen Bartley; adoring grandchildren, Kristin (Brice) Copenhefer, Taylor and Morgan Baker, Grace and William Bartley; and great grandson, Jackson. He also loved and adored his multitude of treasured nieces, nephews and inherited step-grandchildren. He had adored his sister, Irene Hess Knerr who predeceased him. Until his death, he and Sandi devoted themselves to each other in their Ohio and Naples homes. He will be sadly missed by his family, his professional and personal friends, and remembered for his love of life, generosity of spirit and weakness for corny jokes and movies. A service of honor and a celebration of his life will be held at a later time. Following his cremation, his ashes will be buried in the Liberty Church Pathway to the Son Memorial Garden (Delaware, OH), along with those of his deceased wife, Eulalie (Lee). In lieu of flowers, the family requests expressions of sympathy be made in Jim’s memory to either of his churches: Liberty Presbyterian Church, 7080 Olentangy River Road, Delaware, OH 43015 or First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, 9751 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs, FL 34135. To sign Jim’s guest register or to leave online condolences, please visit www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com.Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home and Crematory, Family Owned and Operated since 1978.

James Bruce Hess

March 21, 1934 - September 3, 2021