Edward Jess

Edward William Jess passed away June 18 at Kingsway Arms Nursing Home in Schenectady after a long illness. He was born July 31, 1951 to Edward and Mayzoe Jess in Schenectady, NY.

From a very early age, Ed’s passion was digging and collecting rocks and artifacts and that interest never wained. After graduating from Schalmont High School, he attended the University at Binghamton where he earned his degree in Anthropology, Ed spent his entire career working as an Archeologist. His love for the field afforded Ed the opportunity to work in South and Central America early in his career, but the extensive body of work he produced comes from the Western US (mainly Wyoming) involving discovery, archiving and studying Native American sites and artifacts. He owned his own Archeological consulting firm centered in Rawlins, Wyoming for many years, later moving to Kemmerer, Wyoming to work for the US Bureau of Land Management, until illness forced his retirement.

To those that knew Ed best, he will be remembered as a fiercely independent, private person who valued close friendships. He was a true free spirit that marched to the beat of his own drum. Ed was also a talented guitarist, collector of music, and a voracious reader.

He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Thomas Jess and sister Joanne Jess Perry.

Ed is survived by his brothers Steven (Kim) Jess of Charlton, NY, Richard (Danielle) Jess of Charleston, SC and Robert (Nancy) Jess of Saratoga, NY, brother-in-law William Perry, sister-in-law Colleen Jess, several nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Remembrances may be shared at bondfuneralhome.com. Memorial donations can be made to City Mission, 425 Hamilton St., Schenectady 12305.

A special Celebration of Life for Ed Jess will be held on Saturday, September 17, at Wolf Hollow Brewing Company, 6882 Amsterdam Road, Glenville from 3-6 pm. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.


Arrangements are by the Bond Funeral Home 1614 Guilderland Avenue Schenectady.