James E. Hesse

HESSE, JAMES ELSON passed away on Feb. 23rd surrounded by his longtime partner, Estelle Rosenblum and her children. Hesse was born March 21, 1929, in Jackson, Mich. He received degrees in mechanical engineering and chemistry from the University of Michigan and spent more than 40 years working productively for General Electric Corp. and Sandia National Labs. He served in the Korean War from 1951 to 1954. He was fiercely proud of his membership in the New Mexico Sons of the American Revolution (SAR), serving as President, Board Member and with the Color Guard. Hesse was a geologist and gem collector, and a devoted classical music fan. He was a member of the Albuquerque Guilds of the Santa Fe Opera and Opera Southwest. In addition, he was a world traveler, voyaging to India, Israel, Brazil, Austria, Hawaii, the Caribbean and wherever SARS National Conventions were meeting. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Christine Hesse; his second wife, Mary Hesse; his parents, James and Ethel Hesse. He is survived by brother, Charles Hesse and friend Elaine McDerment, of Jackson, Mich.; two stepchildren, Hans Dieter Neubert and Lydia Baker; and his long-time partner, Estelle Rosenblum; her children, Jay Rosenblum and Debra Saslawsky, Gail Rosenblum and Patrick Twiss, Paul Rosenblum and Patricia K. Meyer; and her grandchildren, Sydney, Noah and Carly Davis, and Joseph Rosenblum. The family wishes to thank the many skilled and compassionate caregivers who made Jim's passing a gentler journey. We are tremendously grateful to VistaCare Hospice, Janine Noe, Dr. Gerard Muraida, Daniel Hogu, special care givers Ray Miera and Christian Aguirre, and For Your Care assistants Gwendolyn Brown, Mabel Miller and Alan McKenney. A special thanks to Janet Thompson and other loving friends. A celebration of Jim's life will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2013 at 11:00 am at French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Boulevard N.E. (East of Eubank), 505-275-3500. Reception to follow services.