BOATRIGHT, Jesse William 1932-2019

BOATRIGHT, WHITE, VANDERSLUIS

Posted By: K. L. Kittleson
Date: 3/28/2019 at 14:50:10

Jesse William Boatright

June 22, 1932 - March 27, 2019

Jess (The Barber) Boatright; Born 6-22-32 in Pontiac Michigan to Frankie Louise Smith and Jewel Boatright. Jess grew up spending a lot of time on the Arkansas farm with his grandfather Jesse James Smith where he developed his love of fishing and hunting. Being raised by his Mother and his stepfather Jason (jack) Miller (a great man respected and loved by all) who Jess credits for his survival of his teen age years. Jess had one brother Billy Joe Boatright who died at the age of 25 years. He has 2 sisters Nancy Moe and Sherry Spencer.

He joined the United States Air force at he age of 17 making the rank of Staff Sargent in his 4 years of service. He spent 17 months in the Korean war. During this time frame he married Roberta White. They had three children: Doug, David and Linda. Jess loved the military life but gave up reenlisting to raise his family. Looking for a career Jess decided being a barber was a good fit for him. He could be his own boss and could take off to fish when he wanted. This proved to be correct.He came to Iowa to attend barber school in DesMoines. He was chosen to do his apprentice time by a barber in the Rath Packing area and this moved him to Waterloo. This area has been where he spent 63 plus years of barbering...He is part of the history for that time frame and much to his delight has had articles written and TV news do features on his shop, life and times. He is well known for his flat tops. He is a master at these haircuts never losing the skill.

While raising his family Jess Boarded and Trained Dogs for several years. He himself won many ribbons and trophies for his own dogs with one being a champion. He became a judge for the Sporty Dogs competition during the Obedience trails.

In 1975 he married Sandra (Emanuel) VanderSluis who also had three children: Bobbi Jean, Darcy, and Jody. The blended family was 6 children and grew to 11 grandchildren and 9 great-grand-children.

Always looking for new ways to use his energy he learned of the Masonic organization and again decided it was a good fit. He joined the lodge in 1982 and was very active for several years. Serving in the different bodies affiliated with the Lodge ... The york Rite Bodies, Eastern Star, Madonna White Shrine, and The Rainbow Girls. He worked his way through all the chairs to be the head of each organization. He was Secretary of the Commandery for several years, served as a State officer and most important he studied for over 2 years to become a State inspector for the york Rites. He was a rainbow dad several times and sponsored the girls for years making sure they had the funds needed to keep them going. He became a Shriner and served as officers as well as parading in his fire truck....He and Sandra had some great times and had a good wonderful group of friends who all supported each other in these endeavors.

And last but not least during all his life Jess was an avid fisherman. He spent all his spare time and time he could steal form his activities fishing and the Lord blessed him with a talent beyond compare for catching fish. He belonged to the fishing clubs and served as officers there. (he did like to run things). After fishing and winning his share of Bass Tournaments in 1992 he bought a cabin on a lake close enough to home he could go every weekend. He of course always said it was a place for his wife as she did not want to travel and more. lol Of course fishing was so good he loved it there and that became his heaven. All else came to a halt. The lake was a good place to fish, swim to do water sports' ... all thing good for family and was the gathering place. For any one who wondered about the amount of fish he caught “Yes he did.” He took pictures of all the stringers of fish and of course they all had to be cleaned -- a task most of the family was willing to give up later in life but Jess did not alter. For 17 years he held what became known as Jess’ annual fish fry. The funds from this was donated to Make a wish foundations.” He shared fish with his customers, friends and family.

Jess was a good man. He loved his country, his home, his family and most important he learned to love God and to put him first. In this last year or so he would tell us he was waiting to go to heaven as he wanted to give Jesus a flat top.

Jess is preceded in death by his parents..most of his family and friends, his beloved brother, brother in law Mike, and a grandson Shaun David Krueger.

Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 1, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church where full military rites will be performed by the Waterloo AMVETS Post 19 and the Evansdale Post 31 along with the Air Force Honor Guard. Inurnment will occur at Mt. Olivet Cemetery at a later date. Public visitation will be from 2-5:00 p.m. Sunday March 31, where there will be a 4:00 p.m. vigil service at Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service on South Street and for one hour before services at the church.

Memorials may be directed to the family to be disbursed at a later date.

SOURCE: Hagarty-Waychoff-Grarup Funeral Service