Jess Alfred Bolling

Jess Alfred Bolling, age 94, of rural Osawatomie, KS, passed away Monday, March 13, 2017 at the Good Samaritan Nursing Center in Olathe. Jess was born April 25, 1922 in Butler, Missouri. He was the fourth of six children born to Otis and Beulah (Browning) Bolling. Jess grew up and attended school in Osawatomie. He was united in marriage to Erma L. Bigham on January 10, 1943 at Yuma, Arizona. They made their home in Osawatomie and became the parents of three children. Jess served his country with the United States Army during World War II where he had earned the rank of Corporal. His service to our country began December 23, 1940 and included three major battles. He was honorably discharged on October 23, 1945. Jess worked the night shift as a psychiatric aide at the Osawatomie State Hospital from 1954 until 1974. He also had a day shift job where owned and operated Bolling Construction working as a plasterer. He had many hobbies. He loved hunting, fishing, and gardening. He also raised chickens and cattle. In his younger years, he was known to be "quite the dancer!" Jess was quick witted, keeping everyone on their toes at all times. He had been a member of the VFW and Osawatomie Elks Club. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Erma who died on December 17, 1994; four brothers Wes McCall, Leslie Bolling, Henry Bolling, and Clifford Bolling; his sister Freda Colbert; his grandson Jesse Bolling; his granddaughter Patricia Dees; his great granddaughter Kaleigh Wilson; and his companion Mary Obermeier. He is survived by his children Jeannie Buie (Kay) of Rantoul, Virginia Dillard (Paul) of Osawatomie, and Jesse Bolling (Jamie) of rural Osawatomie; 8 grandchildren David Dees (Jamie), James Hollon (Sarah), Kathy Lewis (Garrett), Gina Wilson, Bobbi Jean Thorton, Patricia Wilson, Timothy Hudson, and Stacy England (Brad); many great and great-great grandchildren; other relatives and friends. Contributions in memory of Jess are to Osawatomie Senior Center. To leave a special message for Jess' family, please click the Share Memories tab above.