James Phillip Hess, age 71 of Huron, SD passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at Avantara Huron.

His memorial service will be held at a later date.

James Phillip Hess, the son of James D. and Doris Marie (Quinn) Hess, was born on August 17, 1952, at the St. John's Hospital in Huron, South Dakota. He attended school and graduated from Huron High School. He also attended Northern State University and graduated with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Business.

James and his parents ran the Zesto Restaurant in Huron from 1977 to 1997 and Hess' Fair City. He then worked for the Bradfield Leary Center for ten years before retiring in 2010. After retirement, James went back to school and attended Western Dakota Tech in Rapid City where he graduated with a degree as an Automotive Technician.

James married Joni LeGrand in 1981, and to this marriage were born three children, Phillip, Katherine and Elizabeth. They later divorced.

James was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Grateful for having shared in James' life are his three children, Phillip (Amy) Hess of Lake Shore, MN, Katherine Merchen of Sturgis, SD and Elizabeth Hess of Denver, CO; four grandchildren, Paige and Charles Hess and Hannah and Abbey Merchen; one sister, Peggy (Jeff) Dahr of Huron; two nephews, Robert (Priscilla) Dobratz and Jeff (Kellie) Dahr Jr.; one niece, Tina Dahr; and several cousins.