Jess was an outstanding bowler and instructor for over 50 years until his death in 1959.

He bowled in the Classic League from 1915 to 1953 and he has 65 sanctioned 700 counts and 2 sanctioned 300 games. They were on April 4, 1934 and March 22, 1938.

He averaged between 200 and 208 throughout most of his bowling career.

Jess teamed with Leo Mueller to set a doubles record of 1,441 in the IBA (International Bowling Association) Tournament.

He has four Minnesota Senior Classic titles and was Bowler of the year for 2001-2002.