Jess Joseph Jaca passed away Aug. 16, 2013, in Elko, Nev. Jess was born in McDermitt, Nev., on July 8, 1928, to Joe and Vicenta (Bea) Jaca. He attended school in McDemitt and Jordan Valley, Ore., where he graduated in 1947. After graduation he returned to McDermitt, residing there until he and his wife moved to Battle Mountain, Nev., in 2011. Jess married Aurelia Naveran on Sept. 2, 1951. They had two daughters, Joyce and Jan.
During the course of his life Jess had several occupations. As a young boy he worked on his grandpa Mendieta's ranch and helped his father with the family trucking business. He went to work at Cordero Mine, starting in the power house and later becoming the bookkeeper/office manager. After the closure of the mine he went to work for Jaca Truck Lines until the business sold in 1991. At this time Jess purchased his own truck which he operated until his retirement in 2000.
Jess was very civic-minded throughout his life. He served on the Humboldt County School Board, TV District, McDermitt Fire District, McDermitt Rodeo Board, and Harney Electric Board. He donated his services to 4-H by hauling the kids and their chaperones to camp every summer. He also hauled their livestock after the annual Labor Day Sale.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Bea, and sister Irene. He is survived by Aurelia, his wife and sweetheart of 61 years, his daughters Joyce Williams (John) and Jan Harvey (Dennis), brother, Louis Jaca and sister, Jacqueline Weber, grandchildren Jamie Dixon (Travis), Joye Williams (Colin), Abby Burkhart (Thain), Matthew and Rebecca Harvey, great-grandchildren Alyx and Teylor Dixon, Adriene, McKenzie, and Ryker Burkhart, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends.
Services will be held Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013, at 12 p.m. at the McDermitt Community Hall, followed by burial at the McDermitt Cemetery. There will be a luncheon after the services.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the McDermitt Fire District or the McDermitt Library.
