James Jim Robert Hess, 66, died Tuesday, December 7, 2010, in the Smith Phayer Hospice House, Landrum.

Born in Denver, CO, he was the son of the late Robert William and Mary Jane Davidson Hess. He was raised in St. Petersburg, FL, earned a B.S. in criminology from Florida State University, and a masters in public administration from University of South Florida.

He served the State of Florida first as a juvenile court counselor and then as a senior child welfare administrator with the Department of Health and Human Services for a total of over 35 years. In 2002, he moved to North Carolina and began a new career as a real estate broker first with WWE and then with Remax, finally retiring in 2009.

Jim was very active in the local Kiwanis Club, and served as president. He loved people and serving their needs; he was known for his gifts as a negotiator who valued and preserved personal relationships. He especially loved riding his horse and was active in FETA. &bsp;

Survivors include his wife, Gail Gardner-Hess, a son, Matthew Hess (Theresa) of Clearwater, FL, a sister, Betty Jane Bristol (Matt) of Richmond, VA, two grandsons, one nephew and one niece, three grand nieces and two grand nephews.

A Mass of the Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, 2010 in St. Johns Catholic Church, Tryon, with Father Patrick Winslow officiating.

Burial will be in Polk Memorial Gardens, Columbus.

Family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday night, Dec. 6, 2010 in the McFarland Funeral Chapel with a reading of the Rosary beginning at 7 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 154 Milestone Way, Greenville, SC 29601-3166.

An on-line guest register may be signed at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon.