Jess Leith

Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home, Jay, OK, 918-253-3222 - Jess Leith, 85, of Zena, Oklahoma with fishing pole and cigar in hand has "Gone Fishin" on the biggest fishing trip ever. Jess passed away, Friday, May 15th at Integris Grove Hospital. Jess was raised in Dexter, Kansas where he attended and graduated in 1946. After ranching and farming for a few years he sold out and moved his family to Oklahoma in 1956. That is when he bought and started the original Big Hollow Resort on the lake, after almost 40 years in the resort business Jess & Chris sold it and retired. Back in the early day, Jess became an icon and brought a lot of notoriety to Grand Lake when he and his friend, Harold Ensley the "fisherman's friend", would do fishing shows together. His most treasured time was one time when his Mother was down visiting, as she loved to fish, and was on the TV show too! Jess promoted Grand Lake and fishing as much as he could, he did fishing tournaments, guided fishing trips and boat shows through out middle America, in Kansas, Oklahoma Iowa and Texas. He served as President of the Grand Lake Association for a while, received his 50 years Masonic Pin and belonged to other numerous fishing organizations. After retiring Jess enjoyed fishing, fixing boat motors, playing golf with his buddies at Noel, Elk River Golf Course. Chris and Jess enjoyed playing cards with her sister and husband. Trips with the family to Branson and Mississippi, watching the horse races and OSU ballgames. Survivors include two sons, Steve Leith of Claremore Oklahoma and Bill Heilman of Savannah, Georgia and daughter in law Vicki Heilman of Kansas City, Missouri; Ten grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Jess was preceded in death by his wife Chris (Duncan) Leith; two sons, Rickard ‘Dick' Heilman; Allen Leith; daughter in law Chris Heilman; his parents and brothers Richard ‘Dick', and Dale Lowman. A visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 PM, Tuesday, May 19, 2015 at Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home in Grove, Oklahoma. Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 PM, Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at the Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home in Jay, Oklahoma. He will be laid to rest in Duffield Cemetery in Jay, Oklahoma. Friends and family may leave online condolences by viewing Jess's obituary at www.honoringmemories.com. Services have been entrusted to Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home, Grove, Oklahoma.

Visitation Details

Tuesday, May 19th, 2015 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home - Jay

Service Details

Wednesday, May 20th, 2015 12:00pm, Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home - Jay

Interment Details

Duffield Cemetery