Joseph John Jess

Joseph (Joe) John Jess, 85, of Ione, CA passed away December 27, 2024, in Ione, CA. He passed peacefully surrounded by his family. He was born on July 4, 1939, in Niles, CA to the late John and Nell (Giuliano) Jess.

Joe met his beloved wife Connie in 1958, and they were married on June 20, 1959. They made their home in Altamont Hills in Livermore, CA. They began their family and soon started their own small dairy farm where they milked 30+ cows a day, which soon grew to 76 cows. They sold the dairy in 1967 and began raising beef cattle. This is where The Jess Ranch brand began. In 1976 they started a registered Hereford Herd. Through these years Joe and his family were very involved in 4-H, FFA, and the Hereford and Jr Hereford Associations. Joe mentored and sponsored many of the local youth throughout his life. They hosted many Bull Sales and Field Days at the Ranch. Joe’s entrepreneur’s spirit and drive allowed him to have the first windmill farm in the Altamont Pass along with the first biosolids spreading company in Alameda County. His love for his Hereford Cattle remained with him to the end. He loved his family, his cattle, his land and his friends immensely and was proud of what he had built. 

Joe lived life to the fullest and had such a big heart.  He overcame many injuries and illnesses throughout his life. His drive to keep ranching kept him going even from his wheelchair. He was very loved and will be missed by many.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 65 plus years, Connie; children, Joseph Jess, Jr., Jeffrey (Megan) Jess, Jerrod (Rhonda) Jess, Jill Jess-Burtschi; grandchildren, Jason (Joeylee), Justin (Jessica), Joshua (Shelby), Johnny (Kaitlyn), Harlee (Jared), Jennifer, Jakob; great grandchildren, Kaylee, Keira, Kendall, Jackson, sister in laws, Joan Jess and Donna Moyer, along with many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Nell and John Jess and his brother, Donald Jess.