Mr. Jess V. Essex

Jess V. Essex, 74, of DeWitt passed away unexpectedly Sunday, September 14, 2025. He was born July 15, 1951, in DeWitt to Jack Walton Essex and Meredith Cooper Essex. After graduating from DeWitt High School in 1969, he served in the U.S. Navy for 6 years aboard the submarine, The Sea Devil. He enjoyed his time in the Navy and still talked about the friends he made during that time. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he spent a few years living in New England before graduating in 1981 from John A. Gupton College of Mortuary Science and going home and joining the family business. He and his brother, Cooper, were the third generation to own and operate Essex Funeral Home. Jess was well known for his singing and was always willing to share his talent. He enjoyed playing the guitar, and kept one in several local restaurants just so he could pick one up to play and sing if the mood struck him. He was active for many years in the South Arkansas County Fine Arts Council and took part, in some way, in most all of their productions. He enjoyed singing with the Arkansas Choral Society and taking part in performing operas in Memphis. He had a great love for duck hunting and enjoyed every hunt, even if no ducks were killed. Even flying down the bayou in his boat, he was known to be bellowing out a song or two! He enjoyed telling a story, the longer the better and usually with a couple of side stories included! If you heard his stories, take them with a grain of salt because he liked to add a little dramatic flair for a more enjoyable story! Jess served on the DeWitt City Council and South Arkansas County Library Board for many years, and was a member of DeWitt Rotary Club, where he was a past president and Paul Harris Fellow. He was a lifelong member of DeWitt Methodist Church, and sang tenor in the Chancel Choir at church for most of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Meredith Essex; sisters Loma Sue and Sarah Essex; and his niece Loma Essex. Jess is survived by his children Tim and Tonya Essex and Elizabeth Essex; his grandchildren Alister and Rachel Essex; his brothers Stewart Essex (Jeannette) and Cooper Essex (Connie); three nieces Kimberly Lock, Ashley Schrunk, and Laura Essex; and many other dear family and friends. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, September 16 at Essex Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Wednesday, September 17 at DeWitt Methodist Church with burial in DeWitt Cemetery. Memorials may be made to DeWitt Methodist Church Building Fund, 608 S. Grandview Dr., DeWitt, AR 72042 or to DeWitt Cemetery, 871 Essex Rd., Almyra, AR 72003

Mr. Jess V. Essex

July 15, 1951 - September 14, 2025