John Gregory Bess' Obituary
John Gregory Bess was born March 26, 1962 in San Jose, California to Rev. John Bess Jr. and Elberth (Jean) Bess. John departed this world peacefully on December 23, 2015.
John and his family relocated from San Jose to Toppenish, Washington in 1963. John attended his father’s church, New Hope Church of God in Christ in Toppenish, WA and as a traditional COGIC child, John grew up singing in the Sunshine Band. He was educated in the Toppenish School District before the family moved to Yakima, WA. John attended both Washington Junior High Middle School and AC Davis High School. At Davis, John was a standout as the Cowardly Lion in the Wizard of Oz. In 1979 he was the first African-American student to be elected as student governor through the YMCA. John was a talented drummer, he had the opportunity to travel to Harlem, New York to take authentic drumming lessons.
John was large in stature and large in personality. He was known for his charismatic and open personality. John had a gift of connecting with any and every one he met.
At the age of eighteen, John won a dancing contest. Even as a big guy John was light on his feet. John was known for his cooking talents that led to his career in owning and managing several restaurants.
John married the love of his life, Kimberly Thielman on December 31, 2009. He and Kim shared a love of traveling and family.
John is survived by his wife, Kim, his Mother and Step-Father, Elberth Jean and Rev. Sammy Trotter of Pasco, his three sisters all of Yakima, June (Otis), Waunda, Sandra and two brothers, Jeffery and Larry. His great aunt Ruth Weaver Cook of Seattle, WA as well as his aunts and uncles, Gloria Solls, Anne Bess, James Bess, Cicero Bess and Lionel Bess. Six nieces and nephews, Jessica, Janae, Darius, Ciera, Jorell and John Jeffery. Six great nieces and nephews and a host of cousins and lifelong friends. He is proceeded in death by his father Rev. John Bess Jr., his mother-in-law Darlene Theilman and baby nephew Jayon Gregory Bess. We all love John and he will be forever missed.
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