James Everett Bess Sr.

James Everett Bess Sr., 94, passed away on Saturday, August 25, 2018 at Brighton Gardens of Tampa in Tampa, FL. Born on October 4, 1923 in Keokee, VA, James was the son of the late Lonnie Everett Bess and Virginia Lee Duff Bess. James was a loving person and patriot with five generations of family. James joined the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s then enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps in 1942. He was a proud veteran of World War II serving as a Flight Engineer on a B-29 based in the pacific theater of operations. James returned to active duty during the Korean War and retired from the United States Air Force as a Chief Master Sargent in 1963. James started a second career in the United States Postal Service until retiring in 1984. He spent his retirement with his family, taking his grandchildren and great grandchildren to many destinations throughout the country. James also had a passion for working around the family land in Virginia, wanting a place for family and friends to appreciate. James was also an ardent sports fan in Tampa, FL, cheering on his Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Rays and Lightening.

James is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 76 years, Nell V Bess, whom he loved dearly and thought of as “his everything”. James is survived by his sister Phyllis Gilbert, brother-in-law Gale Gilbert and brothers William Bess and Dale Bess, Sister-in-law Lynn Bess. James also leaves his daughter Norma Joan Jones, and son James E. Bess Jr., daughter-in-law Karen B. Bess. Three Grandchildren, Roy E. Jones, Jr., grand daughter-in-law Joy L. Jones, James C. Jones, and Suzanne M. Bess-Wollborg, grandson-in-law Eric F. Wollborg. Two great grandchildren, Heather and Amber; three great-great grandchildren, Christopher, Remy, and Emma. He is preceded in death by his brothers Jack Bess and Charles Bess.

A celebration of his life, with his wife Nell, will be held in October followed by a service with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a charity of one’s choice.