James "Jim" Alan Hess

On the afternoon of July 2nd, James Alan Hess peacefully passed away in his dream cabin. Surrounded by the love of his family, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was 75 years old. Jim was born on May 16, 1950, in Philipsburg, Montana, to Theodore (Buss) and Grace Hess. He spent his early years on the Sandin Ranch at Ross's Fork of Rock Creek. It was there his love for the outdoors and hard work first blossomed.

Jim graduated from Granite High School in 1968, a notable member of the Prospectors football team. He shortly thereafter married his high school sweetheart Delavera Vose. Together they had three children and started their lives together on the ranch. Years later they went their separate ways.

Jim had a special fondness for Medicine Lake and Green Canyon Lake, where he found solace in nature's beauty. Anyone who knew Jim knows what a special place those memories had in his heart.

Jim was one of the lucky few who found great joy in his work. Logging was his passion. He spent most of his life cutting trees in the American NorthWest and Alaska. The family cabin at Zeke's was a beloved retreat, and his passion for logging led him to construct his own log cabin in 2011.

Shortly before that he met Deb Antes. They enjoyed a quieter life at the cabin. Riding George (the side-by-side) hunting and exploring the outdoors with her and her family. He also enjoyed his weekly Thursday night VFW trip with the crew. As well as watching his grandchildren grow and compete in their sporting events, daily lives and outdoor endeavors.

Jim is preceded in death by his grandparents, Raymond and Cecil Hess, and his father, Theodore Hess. He is survived by his loving partner, Deb Antes, his mother Grace Hess, brother Robert (Lin) Hess, and his children—Ray Hess, Becky (Dave) Metesh, and Chad (Andrea) Hess. His legacy lives on in his children, grandchildren, Kane Hess, Sierra Metesh, Preston Metesh, Avery Metesh, Casen Hess, Brayden Hess, and the countless lives he touched with his kindness, humor, and passion for life.

This is his favorite quote from one of his logging books.

"But the worst knowledge of all is that some day he will be either disabled or too old to take it anymore, at which time something in him will die, because he is a logger, and logging is his life"

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 2nd at the Philipsburg City Park from 2 to 6 pm. All who knew and loved Jim are invited to join in honoring his life and the many ways he made this world a better place.

Please visit below to offer condolences to the family or share a memory of Jim. Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Crematory have been privileged to care for Jim and his family.