Pamela (Wilson) Jess, 74, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed into the arms of Jesus on October 26, 2023. Born in Lake City, Iowa, to Richard and Bette Wilson and big brother Doug.
She had many fond memories of her early years living on a farm near Lohrville as well as her school days in Marshalltown. Pam attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids, IA but finished her degree in English at Drake University in Des Moines. In 1979, she married the love of her life, Dean Jess, and in 1980, she founded SuperTan-Espree on 29th and Ingersoll in Des Moines, which they owned and operated for 26 years. Pam’s zest for life and love of people was evident in all she did—she knew no stranger! Gifted for remembering every individual’s name, she made everyone feel special and appreciated.
She is survived by her loving husband, Dean Jess; daughter Kate Mueller (Philip) of Nebraska; son J Jess (Judy) of North Carolina; son Michael Jess of South Carolina; six grandchildren (Ashley Jess, Graham Mueller, Sebastian Jess, Claire Mueller, Laurel Mueller, and Wilson Mueller); two great-grandchildren (Jaxton and Everleigh); older brother Doug Wilson (Anita) of Kentucky; sister-in-heart Bobbie Porter (Lou) of California; aunt Marjorie Webster (Dave) of New Jersey; sibling-in-loves Dick and Penny Jess, Bill Jess, Donita and Randy Craft, and Rebecca Rawls; and many wonderful cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A Celebration of Life open house will be held from 4-6:30pm on Friday, November 3 at New Hope Assembly of God Student Center Chapel, 6800 Townsend Ave, Urbandale, IA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your favorite charity in Pam’s name.
