IRVINGTON—Judge John R. Hess, 96, died peacefully on December 12, 2023.
He is survived by Marilynn, his wife of 64 years; their daughter, Karrie Hess McMillan; grandsons, Trevor and Liam McMillan; and many nieces and nephews.
John’s life was a true “rags to riches” story and he frequently acknowledged with gratitude the many friends and family members who advised and guided his life.
John was born on August 3, 1927, in Dearth, Pa., a small coal mining town. One of five children (George, Frank, Iva and Will), most of his childhood took place during the depression, yet he spoke more often of how his friends and siblings created fun than of the deprivation his family faced. Favorite memories include a once-a-year ice cream cone on the Fourth of July, a piece of candy at Christmas, and when older, driving road construction vehicles during the summer. During his youth, John dreamed of driving the truck that picked up dead animals for a rendering plant—seriously. Fortunately for John, World War II changed that future.
John enrolled in the Navy upon graduating from high school, but the war ended before he saw action. Thanks to the GI Bill, college suddenly became attainable and John enrolled in Penn State. Upon graduating, John taught high school before quickly realizing that he wasn’t cut out for dealing with teenagers. Instead, he pursued law school at Georgetown University, working during the day and attending school at night. His first legal job was for Harry Hull, the Clerk of the U.S. District Court, which provided the experience and contacts for his rise as a prosecutor and later Deputy Attorney General in the Appellate Division in the District of Columbia’s court system.
In 1972, John received an appointment from President Nixon as a Superior Court Judge, a federal trial judge for the District of Columbia. His case load included traffic, felonies and everything in between. He retired at age 57 to build his dream house in Kilmarnock, with his wife, Marilynn. They designed the house without the assistance of an architect, and served as the general contractor. John worked side-by-side with bricklayers, plumbers and did all the electrical work himself.
After completing the house, John and Marilynn traveled extensively. Other favorite retirement activities included golf, fishing and trips to Williamsburg for lunch. John also owned a 1934 Ford, and enjoyed restoring the car and attending antique car shows. After several years of travel and leisure, John returned to the bench as a senior judge, working during the winter when the fish weren’t biting. John was proud of his record of clearing backlogged caseloads during his returns to the court.
In 2010, John and Marilynn moved to Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury where they enjoyed an active social life and met many wonderful friends.
The family is thankful for the dedicated care and concern provided by the nurses and staff during John’s brief stay at the RWC healthcare unit. A memorial service will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s name to your favorite charity.
Currie Funeral Home LLC of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.
