Robert Hart Jess

Robert Hart Jess passed from this life on Thursday, May 28, 2026, after valiantly battling cancer for several months. He was born in Leavenworth, Kansas, on November 8, 1944, to Robert Dean Jess and Evelyn Hart Jess, who cherished him deeply.

Bob grew up in Grand Junction, Colorado, and graduated from Grand Junction High School in 1963. He attended Mesa College before entering the United States Air Force in 1965. During his eight years of service, he served proudly as a Technical Instructor and remained deeply honored by the opportunity to serve his country.

Following his military service, Bob and his family returned to Grand Junction, where he owned and operated Custom Phones and Communications, a telecommunications company. He later sold the business and retired in 2009. Bob and his wife, Shirley, then dedicated approximately fifteen years to serving the community through their work with the Chamber of Commerce.

Known among family and friends as the man who could fix anything, Bob lived by the motto, “If I can’t fix it, it ain’t broken.” He enjoyed fishing, working on classic cars, playing golf, and spending time with those he loved. He will be remembered for his kindness, selflessness, care for others, and—above all—his remarkable sense of humor.

Bob is survived by his wife of sixty years, Shirley; his sons Brian Dean Jess (Lora) and Bradley Hart Jess (Brooke); grandchildren Bailee Adams (Brian), Collin Jess, Osa Jess, AJ Jess, and Evelyn Jess; and great‑grandchildren Scarlett Adams, Mary Jess, and Wyatt Adams. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Dean Jess and Evelyn Hart Jess, and his sister, DeAnn Mace (Richard).

A memorial service will be held at the Veterans Cemetery of Western Colorado, 2830 Riverside Parkway, Grand Junction, Colorado, on June 18 at 1:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will follow the next day at the First Presbyterian Church, 3940 27 ½ Road, Grand Junction, Colorado, on June 19 at 10:00 a.m., with a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Young Life at https://giving.younglife.org/bobjess. Checks may be made out to Grand Valley Young Life and mailed to: 2500 Broadway, Unit B, #233, Grand Junction, CO 81507.