Richard D. Jess, known to everyone as Dick, passed away peacefully at Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital in McHenry, IL on August 30, 2024 at the age of 78. He was born on December 12, 1945 in Aurora, IL to Robert E. and Eleanore M. Jess.

Raised in Aurora IL, Dick graduated from East Aurora High School where he was a high jumper and played on the basketball team. He majored in music at Northern Illinois University which paved the way for his musical career. He played in several noted show bands while attending college.

Dick mastered the trombone at an early age, winning local and national contests with his virtuosity. His first venture into the world of professional music was at the early age of 14, when he began touring throughout the country over the summers with a Christian band called The Spurrlows. During his illustrious music career, he continued expanding his charismatic performances by becoming a multi-instrumentalist, playing over 20 instruments including trombone, trumpet, flugelhorn, flute, saxophones, violin, guitar, bass, piano, and drums. He had a one of a kind slide trumpet custom made for him which always amazed the audiences. He also developed a signature singing style, singing pop, rock, jazz, show tunes and country music to audience acclaim. His singing voice was easily recognizable as his own. Dick was an outstanding member of numerous bands including Dave Major and the Minors, The Onstage Majority, and New Odyssey. He was well renowned for his own interpretation of Louis Armstrong's “Wonderful World”. Following his "band years", Dick evolved his talent into a successful solo music career, became a music teacher inspiring young musicians, and operated a thriving painting business.

Dick's passion for music was paralleled by his love for sports cars and golf. He cherished his roadster, a 1998 BMW Z3. He spent many happy hours playing various golf courses with many friends, family members, and the McHenry Chamber of Commerce Golf League. In his later years, he turned his creative hands to crafting Native-American style flutes, creating over 100 playable flutes.

Beyond his hobbies, Dick was a devoted member of The “ROMEO" Club ("Retired Old Musicians Eating Out"), where he enjoyed regular gatherings with friends. He would also meet with his High School friends for lunch to reminisce about the old days and catch up on the present. He worked for Gary Lang Auto Group and Castle Automotive Group in McHenry for 5 years as a dealer trade driver, delivering new cars throughout the Midwest. Dick was a joke teller, a breakfast chef, a water skier, a horseshoe player, and a terrific bowler. For 23 years, he led the special way of singing “The 12 Days of Christmas” song at his Christmas parties, an annual in home event that grew from 8 guests to over 80.

Frequently traveling the country with his other half, Fran, the two visited numerous destinations and built lasting memories with each other. They visited with great friends along the way and, of course, took lots of photos! The variety of entertainment and beautiful scenery made Branson, Missouri one of their favorite stops.

He is survived by his loving partner, Fran Lambert; his children, Robert (Jenn) Jess and Aimee Jess; Fran’s daughter, Kristin (Andrew) Kukla; his siblings, Jack (Carla) Jess, Steven (the late Dawn) Jess, and Pamela (Paul) Woods; and many nieces and nephews. Dick was a cherished Grandpa to Jocelyn and Delia Jess and a beloved Papa to Khloe and Kiera Kukla.

A celebration of Dick's life will be held on November 17, 2024 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm, at The Long Shot Sports Pub in Lakemoor, IL, a venue where he was a longtime performer and which holds many fond memories for his family and friends. We request all who plan to attend to please RSVP under the Events tab so we know to expect you!

Dick's life was filled with melody, joy, and the love of his family and friends, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of those who knew him. The next time you are sipping on a McDonald's Senior coffee, raise the cup up, think of Dick, and smile. Dick will be smiling back at you from his Wonderful World.

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