Jess (Jessie) Hernandez passed away Dec. 2, 2012.
Jess was born in Winnemucca and attended school here. Until the last few years, he enjoyed traveling back to Winnemucca to catch up with his classmates at school reunions.
Jess moved to San Francisco as a young man to seek his fortune. He found his calling at Levi Strauss and Co. where for 48 years he helped employees resolve work problems. Up to his last days he never ceased talking about how he loved helping employees and retirees at Levi's. One of his proudest accomplishments was creating a Levi Strauss museum (since closed) at the corporate headquarters. He served into his 70s as a Levi Strauss Retiree Coordinator, visiting retirees at home or in the hospital and helping them access retiree health benefits. He also volunteered at a nursing home and applied to become a regional nursing home ombudsman.
In his final months, he imagined planning a Christmas party for his retirees, and often spoke of what might be good presents for them this winter - probably a pair of long socks or slippers, he thought.
He enjoyed classical music, ballroom dance (he was an Arthur Miller dance teacher in his youth), good food and wine, and dreamed of repeating a trip to New York City. Most of all, he loved to help those in need. At Christmas he enjoyed handing out chocolate bars and dollar bills to the homeless living on the streets in San Francisco.
He is survived by his wife and many loving family members. He is already greatly missed.
At his request, there is no official memorial service. Instead, in his memory, feel free to make a donation to the Red Tab foundation in San Francisco or a charity of your choice that helps those in need.
[[In-content Ad]]
