Jake Hess' funeral was held at Morningside Baptist Church in Columbus GA, Jan 7th 2004. I considered it an honor to attend the celebration of the life of this legend. I have had many moments in my songwriting career that I consider special. One of them was the first time I heard Jake Hess sing one of my songs on the main stage at NQC. I attended this funeral to honor that man, his music and his legacy. But much to my surprise, I was about to receive the biggest honor of my career. When I opened up the memorial card, there on the inside cover was the lyric to I HAVE NEVER WALKED ALONE. Jake recorded this song, that was written by Marty Funderburk and myself, on his last recording. Out of all the great songs of Jake's career, the family chose this one to print on his memorial card. I must say to the Hess family, I cannot think of a higher honor that I could receive as a songwriter. Thank you. After I got over the shock of that, it was time to begin the service. Bill Gaither started things off with a congregational Hymn, VICTORY IN JESUS. After Jake's pastor Bill Shorey welcomed everyone, the homecoming choir sang JOY COMES IN THE MORNING featuring Jeannie Johnson on the second verse. Evangelist Michael Guido then spoke of his recollections of Jake's career back in the early days and how Jake turned down lucrative offers to sing secular music. Jake's granddaughter then spoke about the family's feelings for this gospel music legend. The homecoming choir then sang AMAZING GRACE featuring Sonya Isaac, and Jeff Easter on harmonica. One of the highlights of the service came next as a video was shown of some of Jake's most memorable performances with the homecoming friends. Included were the songs I MET THE MASTER and DEATH AINT NO BIG DEAL. Then pastor Shorey spoke a few words of encouragement to friends and family. From that point on the service was turned over to Bill Gaither for a homecoming celebration. The choir sang GOODBYE WORLD GOODBYE, then the vocal band sang WHERE NO ONE STANDS ALONE. Bill and Gloria Gaither both took turns at the podium recounting the times they would ask how Jake was doing and his reply was always the same, NOTHIN' BUT FINE. He would say that even when he didn't really feel fine. Bill shared how Jake didn't live in the past or the future, but always in the present. Bill told of a time that he and Jake were discussing Jake's health. The news was not very good. Bill asked Jake, "what are you going to do about it. Jake's reply was "well, I can't do anything about it in the next three hours, so I think I'm going to watch the Braves! Jesse Dixon sang WHAT ARE THEY DOING IN HEAVEN RIGHT NOW with the choir, followed by Ivan Parker doing WAIT 'TIL YOU SEE MY NEW HOME. Next, the choir sang OH COME ANGEL BAND. When Johnny Minick sang the third verse that says I'VE ALMOST GAINED MY HEAVENLY HOME, I HEAR THE NOISE OF WINGS, a few drops of glory spilled out of heaven, and you could almost see the Heaven he was singing about. The service ended with THE EASTERN GATE featuring Karen Peck. It was a beautiful tribute to a man who will remain a legend in our hearts. Daryl Williams
Author: Daryl Williams
| Author's Website: http://darylwilliamstrio.net
Written: 01/09/2004
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Category: Feature ArticlesTributes
Comments: 14
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Daryl, thanks for sharing with those of us who could not make it to the Celebration.
Deon Unthank
SoGospelNews.com
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I was so saddened by the death of Jake Hess. I grew up listening to him. My mom
Another great voice has gone from the Gospel Music Stage.
Jake Hess , a giant among men, we will miss you as a dear friend. We know that you and Vestal, Howard, Rusty, Ben, Hovie, JD, Mom & Pop Speers, Big Chief and many others are up there with Jesus in that Great Home Coming in the heavens. What a glorious musical extravaganza that must be. I can't wait ...
Daryl, do you know if they have any videos of the funeral. Please let me know. Thanks, June
:cry: I've just read your comments about Jake. I'll just bet Ivan Parker lost it when he sang "Wait Til You See Me In My New Home".
I will miss them both dearly :cry: I loved ther music so very much ! I have al the videos ever emagin! I loved Vestal an Jakes Song they blessed my heart and soul so very much!!!! :cry: God bless there family !!!!! ALL THE GOOD ONES ARE LEAVING US!!!! i caint wait to see you all in Heaven when I get there!!! LOVE CAMILLA
Jake's gone,....the only stylist in Gospelmusic period, all these years battling a list ailments, and still sounded great.
There is not very many old singers lift. But I will miss the smiling face of Jake and his different wig's. And if there a video of his funeral please notify me. May the Lord be with all the family's and many friends.
Jake Hess was such a wonderful gospel singer he is going to be missed greatly by a meny of folks
:cry: i am sorry to here that these 2 great people of God are gone. But they are with the Lord as will some of us will be soon. both JAKES AND VESTALS music were both insperations to me. God bless Vestals and Jakes families. i will be praying for both of them. We must never forget butt always remember.
Thank you for this wonderful story. My wife and I made it to the lay out and was two hours early for the funeral. We were so blessed to have a front row seat. I took my vacation and drove 10 hrs to get there but would not have missed it for anything. I felt that it was the least we could do for someone who had done so much for us. No human has ever made the impact on my life that Jake Hess has made. I still grieve his passing and I know that I shouldn't. I dare say the angels were overwhelmed when they heard the rich voice of Jake. His gentleness, kindness & graciousness will always bring special memories to us.
I just wanted to say Thank You Jake for the wonderful example you gave not only to your peers but to fellow Christians I personally enjoyed the wonderful songs and the funny faces expecially in the Homecoming videos with the Gaithers I Thank you for such a fine job and you will never be forgotten.
Had the tremendous oppotunity to meet Jake(Mr. Hess) at the Palace of Auburm Hills at a Gaither sing in the late 90's. After the intermission was over and all scramabled bck into the auditorium, Jake remained at the booth and he and I talked for a few minutes. He gave his address and phone # in Ga, autographed his book and told me to bring my clubs and give him a call! what a gentleman. I will miss him but see him soon!
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