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Rev. John David Jess, 90, passed away on July 21st in Albuquerque, N.M. John was born July 12, 1913 in Chicago, Illinois to Benjamin Jess and Bernice Luther Jess. He lived the wild life of a teenage boy in the roaring 20 s, and loved to tell the story of driving bootleg whiskey for the notorious gangster Al Capone. At the age of 17, John became a Christian, and decided to use his natural ability to sing, play the trumpet and speak into a lifetime of service to God. He was invited to preach at churches and tent meetings throughout the United States. In 1934, he met Mary, a beautiful young choir member at the church where he was preaching. She had promised never to marry a preacher, but just a few weeks later on the first day of spring 1934, they said their vows. March 21st of this year, they celebrated 69 years together. In addition to pasturing a number of small churches, John started Chapel of the Air a 30-minute radio broadcast. Aired on hundreds of stations over the years, John wrote and recorded messages for 35 years. He authored numerous books and countless articles on a variety of Biblical subjects. After his retirement, John continued to create short messages entitled Straight Talk for Family Life Radio in Tucson, AZ. John and Mary were always known for their wonderful relationship, endless teasing and constant laughter. After a lifetime together, they truly had become one. Mary (88) will continue to live at the Carestone Assisted Living Facility in Albuquerque. John is survived by his daughter Joan Lucian of Albuquerque, N.M., and daughter Lisa Lembcke of Las Vegas, NV, and foster daughters Patricia Brinkopf of Littleton, CO, and Margarita Hope of Tacoma, WA, and Brother Robert Jess of Montgomery, IL. John has nine grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. John was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Alice Foote and Faith Mains. Graveside services will be held Friday, 9:30 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menual NE, Albuquerque, N.M. At John s request, donations are being accepted to help defer the cost of assisted care for Mary. Please contact daughter Lisa Lembcke (702) 256-5180. French Mortuary 1111 University Blvd. 843-6333
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